Meltio’s metal additive technology receives formal certification from South Korea’s armed forces for operational use.
In a major stamp of approval for the battlefield capabilities of Meltio’s metal 3D printing technology, the South Korean Army has officially qualified the company’s systems for military use. The approval covers production of spare parts and equipment repairs, with initial deployment focused on the Marine Corps Logistics Group.
Lieutenant Colonel Kim Seong-nam, commander of the maintenance battalion, explained how mobile robotic 3D printers are solving critical logistics challenges. “Where we previously waited weeks for replacement components, we can now manufacture certified parts on-site in hours,” Kim said. The technology has proven particularly valuable for maintaining specialized vehicles and weapons systems in remote locations.
Meltio partnered with Korean firm AM Solutions to implement its wire-laser deposition systems, which use standard welding wire rather than powder for safer field operation. The certification follows similar military adoptions by U.S. and European forces, signaling growing confidence in additive manufacturing for defense applications.
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According to Meltio’s APAC Sales Manager Adam Hourigan, the South Korean approval represents a strategic milestone. “This opens doors for broader adoption across Asia’s defense sectors,” Hourigan noted, adding that the company is already in discussions with other regional militaries.
