3D Printing
Discover cutting-edge solutions from leading global suppliersMeltio & Snowbird Technologies have unveiled a next-generation containerized hybrid manufacturing solution that incorporates the Meltio Engine Blue for point-of-need defense applications.
The platform, known as SAMM Tech, is a ruggedized, forward-deployable system housed within a shipping container. It utilizes a patented gantry-mounted hybrid manufacturing cell that combines additive and subtractive capabilities. This allows defense forces to produce and repair critical parts, prototypes, and replacements in austere or contested environments where traditional supply chains are inaccessible.
The system is engineered for global mobility and is fully compatible with existing military logistics infrastructure. Its modular construction allows for operation in extreme land and maritime conditions. By facilitating manufacturing closer to the battlefield, the solution aims to reduce lead times and material waste while increasing overall mission readiness.
The Meltio Engine Blue technology supports a variety of industrial metals essential for defense and naval use, including titanium, aluminum, and marine-grade bronze. The hybrid approach has already proven successful in real-world scenarios. For example, the SAMM Tech platform has already been used aboard a U.S. Navy vessel to repair a reverse osmosis pump, restoring freshwater generation within hours and preventing the ship from having to return to port prematurely.
Gabriel Ortiz, America’s Channel Manager at Meltio, commented, “Defense organizations require manufacturing solutions that are reliable, flexible, and deployable. Integrating the Meltio Engine Blue into Snowbird’s containerized system demonstrates how our technology can support expeditionary operations, helping defense users strengthen supply chain resilience and maintain operational readiness in the most challenging environments.”
The partnership reflects a growing trend in the defense sector toward adopting wire-laser metal additive manufacturing for operational sustainment. Meltio’s technology is currently utilized across various global defense programs to support onboard manufacturing and supply chain resilience.
Scott Morse, Chief Executive at Snowbird Technologies, added, “This collaboration further validates the role of laser-wire directed energy deposition technology in the most demanding defense environments. By integrating the Meltio Engine Blue into our next-generation SAMM Tech platform, we are demonstrating how laser-wire DED can deliver reliable, repeatable hybrid manufacturing at the point of need, enabling critical repair and production where traditional supply chains and infrastructure are unavailable.”
Snowbird Technologies and Meltio will showcase the new containerized system at the 10th Annual Military Additive Manufacturing Summit & Technology Showcase (MILAM). The event takes place from February 3–5, 2026, in Tampa, Florida, where industry leaders will discuss the deployment of advanced manufacturing across the Joint Force.
