BRUSSELS, Dec. 29 (UPI) — The European Defense Agency launched a new project to examine military applications for additive manufacturing, better known as 3D printing.
According to the agency, the project aims to identify areas were additive manufacturing can be effective in enhancing defense capabilities. The effort was officially launched following a meeting held on Dec. 21.
The project will begin with a desktop study to explore potential applications, and assess 3D printing assets in Europe. Next, the agency will seek to bridge the data gap on 3D printer performance in deployed conditions, and demonstrate the utility of existing technologies.
The goal, the EDA says, will be to raise awareness for the impact of additive manufacturing on the defense industry.
To support the effort, the EDA has contracted the Prodintec Foundation and French arms manufacturer MBDA.
