KONGSBERG accelerates innovation in defence systems through investments in additive manufacturing
KONGSBERG has entered into a strategic partnership with Germany’s EOS and its affiliate AMCM, both recognized leaders in industrial 3D printing technology, to enhance the adoption of metal additive manufacturing in its defense and security initiatives. As part of this collaboration, KONGSBERG has acquired two advanced multi-laser metal additive manufacturing systems from EOS and AMCM. This move is expected to facilitate faster innovation cycles, provide greater design flexibility through new agile production methodologies, and expand overall production capacity and capabilities.
The investment aligns with KONGSBERG’s overarching digital transformation strategy. By leveraging additive manufacturing, KONGSBERG aims to harness digital design and digital manufacturing capabilities, surpass traditional manufacturing limitations, and significantly reduce product development timelines. Integrating additive manufacturing into its product development and manufacturing processes will provide KONGSBERG with expedited access to high-quality hardware, ultimately enhancing its defense delivery capabilities.
“Additive Manufacturing is opening a whole new opportunity to challenge the traditional design and manufacturing process moving forward and represents a new way of thinking in design and manufacturing,” stated Sverre Ulland, SVP Strategic Production at KONGSBERG’s Missiles & Aerostructures division.
“As we implement these tools and methodologies in our organization, the limiting factor will probably be the designer’s imagination and not the technology.”
The initial phase involves the installation of two multi-laser additive manufacturing machines, specifically the AMCM M 4K and the AMCM M 290-2 1KW, along with related equipment, in KONGSBERG’s primary production facility in Norway. These machines will enable the production of full-scale sections for technology demonstrators, product qualifications, and flyaway hardware.
In addition to providing technology, EOS and AMCM will assist KONGSBERG during the initial implementation stages and will collaborate with EOS’s Additive Minds consulting unit to integrate additive manufacturing as a reliable and robust production methodology.
“Establishing additive manufacturing as a reliable and scalable production technology requires close collaboration across technology, application development, and industrialization,” remarked Markus Glasser, SVP EMEA at EOS. “Together with KONGSBERG, we are building a long-term partnership that combines advanced AM technology with deep application expertise from our Additive Minds team to accelerate the adoption of additive manufacturing across their design and production processes.”
About EOS
EOS provides responsible manufacturing solutions through cutting-edge industrial 3D printing technologies worldwide. Since its inception in 1989, EOS has been at the forefront of manufacturing innovation, empowering customers to differentiate themselves through expert guidance, technology, and services while integrating end-to-end additive manufacturing solutions. With a focus on accelerating time-to-market through high-quality production efficiencies and sustainable solutions, EOS remains a leading partner for both metal and polymer additive manufacturing.
About AMCM
AMCM (Additive Manufacturing Customized Machines) specializes in customized metal 3D printing machines, offering everything from selectively enhanced systems to fully re-engineered machines tailored to specific customer needs. Utilizing established EOS technology and processes, AMCM adapts essential parameters such as laser configurations, thermal management, spot sizes, and build volumes to unlock new applications and enhance performance. Headquartered in Starnberg, Germany, AMCM operates as a key component of EOS GmbH.
