SOUTH KOREAN ARMY VALIDATES MELTIO’S METAL 3D PRINTING TECHNOLOGY FOR DEFENSE APPLICATIONS

South Korea becomes the first country in Asia to officially validate and deploy Meltio’s metal additive manufacturing technology in its military logistics operations. The initiative, led by the Logistics Group of the Republic of Korea Marine Corps and supported by AM Solutions, Meltio’s local distributor, represents a major milestone in military adoption of advanced manufacturing.

The Marine Corps Logistics Group has introduced robot-based metal 3D printers to produce discontinued or hard-to-source components, enhancing on-field maintenance and reducing operational costs. The deployed solution is based on Laser Wire Directed Energy Deposition (LW-DED), a process that melts wire feedstock using a laser to build up metal parts layer by layer, minimizing material waste.

Key to the deployment is the Meltio Engine integration for industrial robots, enabling large-scale metal 3D printing and repair by converting standard robotic arms into additive manufacturing systems. These systems are compatible with ABB, Kuka, Fanuc, and Yaskawa platforms, and are ideal for complex geometries, repairs, and part coatings.

This validation extends Meltio’s global defense footprint, already endorsed by military forces in the U.S., France, and Spain. Adam Hourigan, APAC Sales Manager at Meltio, stated, "Entering South Korea’s defense sector reaffirms our mission to support autonomous and sustainable manufacturing across the globe."

The Logistics Group plans to expand capabilities in the coming years by acquiring additional mobile and precision metal processing equipment, strengthening field support for critical military operations.