High-performance defence technology with 3D printing

One of the sessions at the Innovations in AM trade forum on 15 May 2025 will be dedicated exclusively to current developments in this field.

AM topics relating to the military sector have been on the agenda at rapid.tech 3D since 2023 and are proving very popular. Given the current global political climate, AM in defence is expected to receive a further boost ‒ the AMPOWER report forecasts a significant increase in investment over the next five years. In Erfurt, experts from Airbus, Diehl and Hensoldt, among others, will present current AM projects in defence technology. Before the trade forum session opens,

Dr Remzi Ecmel Ece will give a keynote speech on the final day of rapid.tech 3D, illustrating how additive manufacturing is being used in Turkish aerospace, for example in aircraft structures, and sharing the company’s strategies and vision for Turkey’s aerospace industry. Dr Remzi Ecmel Ece is head of the Additive Manufacturing department at Turkish Aerospace. The group ranks as one of the top 100 aerospace and defence companies in the world.

AM technologies for security and defence electronics

Hensoldt is regarded as a pioneer of technology and innovation in security and defence electronics. The company has successfully integrated additive manufacturing into its production processes and is helping to drive developments in additive electronics, among other things. In his presentation, Jörg Sander, ALM expert in electronic devices at Hensoldt Sensors, will talk about the series application of AM technologies in products used mainly in the defence sector, as well as how 3D printing supports small series production. He also identifies trends in the use of future AM technologies in defence electronics.

Customised components for high-performance guided missiles

Frank Palm, Senior Expert Metallic Materials, Processes and Advanced Manufacturing for Innovative Lightweight Structures at Airbus Central Research & Technology, and Markus Bähr, Head of Chemical and Structural Materials at Diehl Defence, will discuss customised material concepts using laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) as a solution for enhanced defence technology products. They will demonstrate how AM offers new possibilities for manufacturing military systems that are both more powerful and more cost-efficient. For example, the guided weapons of the future must be able to withstand extreme mechanical and thermal stress and be highly resistant to corrosion. High-performance aluminium materials offer advantages over titanium or ultra-high-strength steels in terms of cost and processing. Used in combination with LPBF, it is possible to implement customised components for high-performance guided missiles and other systems.

Specialist conference offers a look at other current AM developments and applications

As well as the session on defence technology, the Innovations in AM trade forum will include a session examining the use of additive manufacturing in medicine. Other forums at the rapid.tech 3D specialist conference will also provide insights into the latest AM developments and applications. On the first day, the VDMA AM4industry Forum, the Aerospace Forum and the quality-approved Science Forum invite visitors to delve into these topics. Day two of the programme includes the Chemistry & Process Engineering, Electronics & Components and Mobility forums. In addition to Innovations in AM, the final day sees the forums Energy Technology & Hydrogen and Software, AI & Design welcome participants.

Presentations and a chance to chat to exhibitors, Deep Dive tours and Expert Tables

Visitors can also look forward to product and service demonstrations as well as small group discussions in Hall 2 – at the exhibitors’ stands or on guided Technical Deep Dive tours, at the Expert Tables, and at the AM Science Poster Slam in the hall.

The 3D Pioneers Challenge too is a source of inspiration, introducing completely new applications of additive and digital technologies. This year the international competition is back at rapid.tech 3D for the tenth time. The anniversary edition gives all previous finalists and winners the chance to go before the jury panel once again and scoop the title of “Pioneer of the Decade”.