Wire-Laser DED Technology Streamlines Military Part Replacement
Meltio’s wire-laser Directed Energy Deposition (DED) technology is redefining how the defence sector handles spare parts. Based in Linares, Spain, Meltio addresses a persistent military challenge—delays in sourcing legacy parts. With Additive Manufacturing (AM), critical components no longer in production can now be repaired or rebuilt on demand.
The U.S. Marine Innovation Unit demonstrated this advantage when a stainless steel diffuser, long out of production, was damaged by corrosion. Traditionally, sourcing a replacement could take months. Instead, Meltio’s DED technology allowed it to be printed in two improved sections using 316L stainless steel, enhancing durability and turnaround.
Meanwhile, Meltio also optimized the additive production of eductors—complex CuNi components prone to wear. Their AM redesign not only improved performance but also ensured field-serviceability. Closed impellers, essential in fire systems, were also rebuilt using a radial 360 strategy, withstanding cavitation and vibration far better than cast versions.
Defence Sector Benefits from On-Demand Manufacturing with Meltio’s DED
The defence sector relies on legacy parts that are often unavailable or prohibitively expensive to reproduce. However, Meltio’s DED technology now offers a practical alternative. Its M600 machines and integration kits allow units to manufacture parts on-site with minimal redesign.
This drastically reduces downtime and operational costs. For instance, Meltio rebuilt impellers and diffusers with improved mechanical properties. These components now resist fatigue, erosion, and vibration, increasing reliability in the field.
Furthermore, Meltio’s ability to eliminate redundant design features and streamline geometries is transforming supply chain logistics. Military engineers can now adapt legacy components to meet modern standards using Additive Manufacturing techniques rooted in precision and efficiency.
SuperMetalPrice Commentary:
Meltio’s wire-laser DED technology offers a scalable solution to the defence sector’s long-standing supply chain issues. Its impact will grow as military forces prioritize digital inventories and field-based manufacturing. Expect adoption to rise, especially in NATO-aligned modernization programs.
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