Defence supply chain solutions
through additive manufacturing
Revolutionising Defence supply chains and production issues
with Additive Manufacturing
In a fast-evolving defence landscape, production and supply chain resilience are critical to maintaining operational readiness. Additive manufacturing (AM) offers transformative solutions to tackle these challenges head-on.
As the UK’s National Centre for Additive Manufacturing and the Manufacturing Centre of Expertise for UK Defence, we’re leading the way in empowering the defence industry to adopt innovative AM technologies that enhance supply chain efficiency, reduce lead times, and deliver cost-effective solutions. From producing obsolete or long-lead-time components to pioneering AM-specific designs, we’re helping the defence sector stay mission-ready.
Discover how AM can revolutionise your supply chain and keep your operations moving seamlessly.
How we can help
Part replacement
Additive manufacturing (AM) provides an innovative solution for replacing existing parts quickly and efficiently, helping to maintain operational readiness. By producing components directly at the point of need, AM reduces reliance on traditional supply chains, which are often hampered by logistical delays or high costs. For defence operations, this means critical assets like vehicles, aircraft, and naval vessels can remain functional, even in remote or high-pressure environments. Field-deployed AM systems, such as those used to manufacture parts for armoured platforms, demonstrate how this technology minimises downtime and keeps equipment mission-ready.
Part obselescence
One of the most significant challenges in defence supply chains is managing part obsolescence, where critical components are no longer produced by original manufacturers. Additive manufacturing addresses this issue by recreating obsolete parts without the need for reopening costly production lines. AM can replicate or improve upon original designs, ensuring a steady supply of parts for aging equipment and extending the lifespan of valuable assets. This capability is especially critical for defence inventories, where legacy systems often rely on decades-old components no longer available through traditional suppliers.
AM part design
Designing parts specifically for additive manufacturing unlocks a new realm of possibilities for the defence sector. AM-specific designs allow for lighter, more efficient, and more durable components that leverage the unique strengths of the technology. These innovations can simplify supply chains, reduce the number of individual parts required, and enhance performance. For instance, by reengineering a rotary engine with AM techniques, weight and component count were significantly reduced without compromising operational functionality. Such designs not only address current challenges but also pave the way for the next generation of defence technologies.
Rapid prototyping
Rapid prototyping with additive manufacturing accelerates the development cycle for defence innovations, enabling faster design iterations and testing. AM allows engineers to create functional prototypes quickly, reducing the time from concept to implementation. This capability supports the development of advanced technologies while lowering costs and risks associated with traditional manufacturing. In the fast-paced defence industry, where adapting to emerging threats and needs is paramount, rapid prototyping ensures new solutions are deployed efficiently, keeping forces ahead of the curve.
Training
The adoption of additive manufacturing is growing rapidly, but ensuring its continued success requires a skilled workforce. Through MTC Training, we offer a comprehensive range of additive manufacturing courses designed to equip current and future professionals with the knowledge they need. Our courses cover essential areas such as strategy, product development, and product implementation, empowering individuals and businesses to fully harness the potential of this transformative technology. By investing in training, we ensure the industry remains innovative and competitive.
NCAM
MTC is proudly celebrating 10 years of being the
National Centre for Additive Manufacturing
We are proud to celebrate 10 years of the MTC as the National Centre for Additive Manufacturing, marking a decade of innovation, collaboration, and leadership in advancing additive manufacturing technologies. This milestone reflects the transformational projects we’ve delivered, the progress we’ve driven across sectors like aerospace, automotive, and defence, and the incredible opportunities unlocked through cutting-edge technology. It’s a moment to honour the dedication of our team and partners, as we continue shaping the future of AM and its impact on industry.
AM use cases
Improving Product Performance of a UAV Engine
NCAM collaborated with a customer to re-engineer a UAV rotary engine, focusing on weight reduction to enhance performance. The project was divided into three phases: conceptual AM design, thermal and structural simulations, and selecting Powder Bed Fusion – Laser Based as the optimal AM process. Demonstrator parts were manufactured, resulting in a weight reduction from 6kg to 4kg, a significant decrease in component count, and lower manufacturing costs, all while maintaining the engine's operational capabilities.
Embedding Components in Polymer Parts
Internal MTC research teams have developed extensive knowledge in embedding components within polymer parts using different AM and post processing techniques. This allows for components such as RFID tags, Strain gauges, Thermocouples, Fibre optics, etc.. to be placed within parts to enhance their functionality. In addition, the team has developed methods for joining dissimilar polymer materials. These AM processes can be used to enhance product capabilities, across the Defence sector.
Ceramic AM Foundry Filters
CAT international wanted to overcome oxidation build up during use of filters that were exposed to molten metal being poured at 1600 °C. The MTC identified suitable build materials, optimised build process parameters, improved green strength and resolution of filters geometries. MTC provided 10 off demonstration filters for downstream testing, which led to a design and material combination that doubled the flow rate through filter and extended part lifespan. The bespoke research and development methods used in this project, can be of significant benefit to the Defence sector to improve product performance.
A trusted partner
The National Centre for Additive Manufacturing & Manufacturing Centre of Expertise for UK Defence
Experts in the end-to-end process chain for complex & large-scale AM components
Access to the widest selection of end-to-end AM capabilities in the country including metal, polymer, and ceramic
Extensive academic, industrial, and governmental networks
Process and vendor agnostic, ensuring that customers receive truly independent advice
Industry-leading research and project experience in all key AM area
About MTC
Progress. What does that mean in your world? Where could your ambition take you? From the seismic shifts to the smallest steps forward. Make them happen with MTC.
Our expertise spans a broad range of sectors and customer types from SMEs through to large-scale organisations and OEMs. We work collaboratively with industry, government and innovators to support the UK’s journey to net zero, helping to accelerate hydrogen implementation and utilisation.
With industry-leading capabilities, cutting-edge facilities, teams of researchers and manufacturing engineers, and expertise in collaborative R&D projects, we provide a platform to develop and prove processes and technologies in a low-risk environment.
