Jay Clemens
The European Defense Agency has partnered with MBDA and the European research center Fundacion Prodintec to explore areas where additive manufacturing can be applied to help boost Europe’s defense industry.
EDA said Dec. 22Â the project aims to raise awareness and determine feasibility of how additive manufacturing or 3D printing technology applies to military contexts.
The agency launched the project at a kickoff meeting held Dec. 21 under the framework of the CapTech Materials and Structures program within EDA’s research and technology organization.
Fundacion Prodintec and MBDA will jointly support the project’s activities and develop connections with various research activities and industrial development efforts.
EDA’s first activity for the project is to examine the “state of the art” of additive manufacturing technologies, identify current research and manufacturing systems in Europe and pinpoint areas to further conduct research activities.
The agency said it will also demonstrate a 3D printer as part of its Sponsored Airlift Exercise in Zaragoza, Spain.
The resulting products will be exhibited before high-ranking military officials once the project concludes.
