From 3–5 February 2026, the Defense and maritime manufacturing community will gather at the Tampa Convention Center for MILAM 2026, a key event focused on operational readiness, sustainment, and advanced industrial capability. Fastech will be attending MILAM 2026 to engage with Defense, naval, and industrial stakeholders on how additive manufacturing is already playing a critical role in keeping assets operational, resilient, and available when it matters most.
MILAM has established itself as an important forum where Defense organizations, OEMs, and supply chain partners address real-world challenges such as aging platforms, long lead times, supply chain fragility, and the need for faster response to unforeseen requirements. In this environment, manufacturing speed, flexibility, and reliability are no longer competitive advantages alone; they are strategic necessities.
Why Additive Manufacturing Matters for Defense
Additive manufacturing enables a shift away from rigid, centralized production models toward more agile and responsive manufacturing strategies. For Defense and maritime sectors, this means faster production of mission-critical components, localized repair and remanufacturing, and the ability to adapt designs without costly tooling changes.
Technologies such as Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing (WAAM) and Laser Wire Directed Energy Deposition (LW-DED) are particularly well suited for these demands. Both processes enable high deposition rates, excellent material utilization, and robust mechanical properties, making them ideal for structural, pressure-bearing, and high-performance metal components. Just as importantly, they allow manufacturers to respond quickly, reducing downtime and supporting readiness across fleets and platforms.
WAAM and Laser Wire DED: Choosing the Right Process
At Fastech, process selection is driven by application requirements. Depending on geometry, material, tolerances, and performance criteria, projects are executed using either WAAM or LW-DED to ensure all technical and operational requirements are met.
WAAM is particularly well suited for large, load-bearing maritime components where high deposition rates, material efficiency, and structural integrity are essential. The stainless steel SS 316L propeller shown here is a clear example of how WAAM enables the production of complex, full-scale ship components with robust mechanical performance and controlled geometry. Using WAAM, large propeller blades can be built efficiently with continuous material deposition, excellent fusion between layers, and the strength required for demanding marine environments. This approach supports faster manufacturing and repair of critical propulsion components while meeting corrosion resistance and durability requirements for naval and commercial vessels.
Stainless Steel SS316L Propeller – Printed on Gefertec arc 605
Laser Wire DED, on the other hand, excels where higher precision, finer features, or multi-material strategies are required. Using wire feedstock and controlled laser energy, LW-DED enables the production of complex geometries and thinner wall structures while maintaining excellent metallurgical quality. Fastech utilizes this process for applications such as lightweight tank ice cleats, flap actuators, and complex piping systems. For example, a marine bronze propeller shaft bracket measuring approximately 190 mm in length can be produced in just over four hours using LW-DED, demonstrating both speed and material efficiency.
Light wight Tank Ice Cleats – Printed on Meltio M600
Defense and Industrial Applications on Display
At MILAM 2026, Fastech will be showcasing real metal parts produced using both WAAM and LW-DED, highlighting practical applications across Defense, aerospace, and maritime sectors. These include:
- Ballistic and artillery shells, produced using stainless steel and marine bronze combinations to meet structural and performance requirements.
- Tank ice cleats, manufactured in stainless steel using Laser Wire DED to deliver robust, wear-resistant components.
- Jet engine exhaust components, built from SS-316LSi using robotic deposition systems, showcasing complex internal geometries and high-temperature capability.
- Shipbuilding and piping components, including dual-wall pipes and structural brackets designed for corrosion resistance and durability in harsh environments.
Each part on display reflects real production parameters, including layer heights ranging from 0.6 to 1.2 mm, controlled argon shielding, and print times that demonstrate the efficiency of wire-based additive manufacturing compared to conventional methods.
A Manufacturing Partner Ready for Action
Fastech is not a prototyping company. It is a real manufacturing shop floor delivering end-use, serial parts for Defense, Energy, Oil and Gas, and industrial sectors. The company operates as an end-to-end additive manufacturing and directed energy deposition service provider, supporting projects from concept design and process development through final machining, inspection, and delivery.
State-of-the-art facilities include the Gefertec arc605 for WAAM, the latest Meltio Blue Laser technology integrated into a robotic cell, and the Meltio M600 for Laser Wire applications. All subtractive machining and inspection capabilities are performed fully in house, ensuring quality control, traceability, and production-ready results.
This integrated approach allows Fastech to move quickly from design to delivered part, supporting customers who need fast, reliable manufacturing solutions for critical applications. Being “fast” in manufacturing is not just about speed; it is about responsiveness, adaptability, and the ability to deliver when timelines are compressed and requirements evolve.
Fastech’s Shop floor – Latest machines, Meltio Blue Laser Robot Cell and Meltio M600
Meet Fastech at MILAM 2026
MILAM 2026 provides an ideal setting to discuss how additive manufacturing can support Defense readiness and sustainment today. Visitors are invited to Booth 408 to see real WAAM and Laser Wire DED parts up close and engage with the Fastech team on current and upcoming projects.
Fastech is ready for action, ready for new programs, and ready to support manufacturing challenges where performance, speed, and reliability matter most.
