Meltio has announced a strategic partnership with AM Solutions to implement metal 3D printing with Korean Army, marking a significant milestone in defence manufacturing technology in Asia. The Republic of Korea Marine Corps Logistics Group has become the first military unit in the country to deploy robot-based metal 3D printers for in-house production of replacement parts, following validation of Meltio’s wire-laser technology by military forces across the United States, France, Spain, and other EMEA regions.
This development represents the first integration of metal additive manufacturing solutions by the Army of the Republic of Korea for spare parts and repairs, providing greater autonomy from conventional manufacturing processes. The collaboration between Meltio and AM Solutions has been instrumental in extending this advanced manufacturing capability to the Korean military, enhancing field maintenance capabilities while reducing costs and procurement delays.
Pioneering Metal 3D Printing with Korean Army
The Republic of Korea Marine Corps Logistics Group announced on February 19th the introduction of a container-type mobile metal 3D printer to address the challenges of limited procurement and discontinued repair parts for military-specific equipment, including the amphibious assault armoured vehicle (KAAV). This initiative makes the Marine Corps Logistics Group the first in the entire Korean military to implement robot-based metal 3D printing technology for logistics support.
The Mobile Additive Manufacturing System, called “with Holonic” is a system that combines Laser Wire Directed Energy Deposition (LW-DED) robotic additive manufacturing technology within a container that is easy to move and install. In addition, by applying the ‘WXR-based remote collaboration solution’ developed in collaboration with Korea Institute of Science and Technology, remote support is possible in a digital twin environment through VR devices.
“The introduction of metal 3D printers is significant not only for reducing operation and maintenance costs, but also for preventing delays in maintenance schedules due to limited procurement of repair parts. We will maintain the best logistics support system to enable stable maintenance support.”
– Lieutenant Colonel Kim Seong-nam, commander of the maintenance battalion
The implementation of metal 3D printing with the Korean Army offers several strategic advantages. The Meltio metal 3D printer utilises LW-DED technology, which melts metal wire with a laser beam to build three-dimensional structures layer by layer. This approach significantly reduces material waste compared to other metal additive manufacturing methods, making it a cost-effective solution for manufacturing metal components.
Daejung Kim, AM Solutions CEO, highlighted the significance of this partnership: “The successful introduction of Meltio’s outstanding technology into the Republic of Korea marks a significant milestone in local manufacturing innovation.”
He added that this entry into the defence sector is just the beginning of a continuous partnership with Meltio to lead advanced industries in sectors requiring additive manufacturing throughout the Republic of Korea.
Enhanced Capabilities through Advanced Technology
The collaboration has equipped the Korean Army with Meltio’s Integration Kit for Industrial Robots, which transforms standard industrial robot arms into sophisticated metal 3D printing systems. This configuration eliminates traditional size constraints, enabling large-scale metal production including complex geometries, repairs, cladding, and feature additions to existing parts.
One of the notable strengths of this system is its improved field operability, allowing maintenance operations to be conducted while moving in a vehicle. The Meltio Engine seamlessly integrates with nearly any robotic arm manufacturer and interface available on the market, with its Meltio Space slicer software fully compatible with ABB, Kuka, Fanuc, and Yaskawa systems.
The technology enables the Korean Army to produce components using a wide range of materials, including Stainless Steel, Titanium, Copper, Inconel, and various other metal alloys. This versatility is particularly valuable for military applications where specific material properties are often required for critical components.
Adam Hourigan, Meltio Sales Manager for the APAC region, emphasised the strategic importance of the defence sector for the company: “The defence sector is strategic for Meltio. Our technology is being validated by armies all over the world and for us it is very positive that thanks to collaboration agreements with relevant partners in Asia such as AM Solutions we are able to help with our different 3D metal wire welding printing solutions the army of the Republic of Korea to gain autonomy in manufacturing and creating metal parts in a reliable and sustainable way.”
Part of a Global Military Trend
The adoption of metal 3D printing with the Korean Army follows similar implementations by military forces around the world. The U.S. Navy has already demonstrated the effectiveness of Meltio’s technology aboard the USS Bataan, where a 3D-printed metal replacement sprayer plate for a ballast air compressor was produced in just five days—significantly faster than the weeks typically required through conventional supply channels.
This achievement earned Meltio the XTechInternational award, recognising the company as a “strategic technology partner” in military and security development. Similarly, the French Navy has validated Meltio’s solutions for manufacturing and repairing metal parts, using the M450 printer to produce stainless steel components for the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle.
In Spain, Meltio supports the Spanish Air Force in jet engine repair using titanium and copper-based alloys, while also assisting the Spanish Army in manufacturing stainless steel spare parts for armoured vehicles. These successful implementations across multiple military forces demonstrate the reliability and versatility of Meltio’s technology in demanding defence applications.
The Marine Corps Logistics Group plans to expand its maintenance capabilities over the next two years, developing proficiency with the equipment and adding support equipment for field operations, including mobile metal precision processing machines and generators. This expansion will further enhance the Korean Army’s ability to maintain operational readiness through on-demand manufacturing of critical components.
About AM Solutions: AM Solutions is an innovative company leading the additive manufacturing DED sector in the Republic of Korea. Through partnerships with global leading companies, we introduce unique additive manufacturing technology to the domestic market and provide customised solutions to our clients. With our extensive expertise in additive manufacturing, we support our clients in enhancing productivity and strengthening competitiveness.
About Meltio: Meltio takes metal additive manufacturing to the next level by developing and manufacturing high-performance, affordable and easy-to-use metal 3D printing solutions using wire laser metal deposition (LMD) technology. The company’s mission is to delight customers, partners and employees by pioneering the development of affordable metal 3D printing systems that are reliable, safe and powerful, continually reinforcing its status as a disruptor.
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