MGA participated in the AM village in Tournai, Belgium, organised by the European Defence Agency. This provided an ideal opportunity to gain insights into 3D printing applications within the armed forces, understand individual needs, and explore recent trends in additive manufacturing. It has been an extremely positive and inspiring experience, especially for the new approach focused on the spread of knowledge and ideas between people and nations.
The workshops and demonstrations demonstrated the impact of AM technology on military logistics and repairs, offering deployable solutions tailored to specific missions. It was enlightening to observe the latest advancements and practical applications of AM in real-world military scenarios. Every technique and approach was valuable, particularly the diverse methods from different nations, including a live-printed concrete shelter dedicated to the Forces’ protection, by Constructions-3D.
Sven had the opportunity to present at the AM Village Workshop alongside our member, WiWeb from the Bundeswehr, and the EWF (European Welding Foundation), Idonial and DTI. The session focused on qualifying the AM workforce, with a particular emphasis on fostering a strong foundation in AM knowledge and skills development. Discussions included our educational catalog, the Bundeswehr’s training approach, and how industrial training programs can be adapted to military requirements. Furthermore, we had a productive conversation about integrating these aspects into the Bundeswehr’s workforce development strategy.
As Mobility Goes Additive, we were encouraged to see so many of our members actively participating and contributing to the discussions. The visit by the Belgian Defence Minister Ludivine Dedonder underlined the high importance of this event, and we were pleased with Belgium as the host nation for such precise organisation, as well as with Martin Huber for organising this one-of-a-kind event. The AM Village demonstrated the value of connections and collaborative opportunities, emphasising the importance of industry and military cooperation.
We look forward to future collaborations and advancements in this exciting field! Please do not hesitate to contact Sven to learn more about the topic.
