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Digital Engineering April 2026
In the latest issue of Digital Engineering, we take a look at the latest innovations in design for additive manufacturing, including the use of natural language inputs, social media cosplayers, and AI integration. The issue also includes a feature…
January Special Focus Issue: Design for Additive
In this Special Focus Issue of Digital Engineering, learn about the latest advancements in design for additive manufacturing, including new software tools, additive in automotive, custom medical devices, and more.
Snowbird Technologies, a U.S.-based provider of advanced manufacturing solutions, and Meltio, a laser metal deposition technology manufacturer, announce a containerized hybrid manufacturing solution for defense, that is able to produce and repair critical components at point of need. Essentially, the solution entails integrating the Meltio Engine Blue into Snowbird’s next-generation deployable system.
Snowbird’s SAMM Tech platform is a hybrid manufacturing system powered by the Meltio Engine Blue. Housed within a ruggedized container, the system features a gantry-mounted hybrid manufacturing cell and combines additive and subtractive capabilities to deliver on-demand repair, replacement, and prototype production in challenging conditions.
SAMM Tech, powered by the Meltio Engine Blue, delivers expeditionary metal manufacturing at point of need. This integrated solution supports advanced hybrid material processing, enabling fabrication in metal and plastic.
The system is designed for rapid deployment and global mobility, fully compatible with existing military logistics infrastructure. Its modular construction allows it to operate in extreme land and maritime conditions, giving defense forces the ability to manufacture, repair, and sustain mission-critical components closer to the battlefield. Powered by Meltio Engine Blue, the system supports a range of industrial metals, including aluminum, titanium, and marine-grade bronze, materials critical for defense and naval applications.
This collaboration reinforces Meltio’s presence within defense and expeditionary manufacturing. Snowbird says its SAMM Tech platform, powered by Meltio technology, has already demonstrated benefits in real-world naval operations, including the rapid repair of a reverse osmosis pump aboard a U.S. Navy vessel—preventing an early return to port and restoring freshwater generation capabilities within hours. Meltio’s wire-laser metal additive manufacturing technology has also been adopted across multiple defense programs worldwide, including deployments with military and naval forces to support onboard manufacturing, forward repair, and supply chain resilience.
Snowbird and Meltio will present this new hybrid, containerized manufacturing solution at the 10th Annual Military Additive Manufacturing Summit & Technology Showcase (MILAM), February 3–5, 2026, in Tampa, Fl, at booth #125.
“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.” says Scott Morse, chief executive at Snowbird Technologies.
“Defense organizations require manufacturing solutions that are reliable, flexible, and deployable,” adds Gabriel Ortiz, America's channel manager at Meltio. “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.”
Snowbird Technologies is a U.S.-based provider of expeditionary advanced manufacturing and logistics solutions for defense, government, and industrial customers.
Meltio develops metal 3D printing solutions using wire-laser metal deposition technology.
Sources: Press materials received from the company and additional information gleaned from the company’s website.
DE's editors contribute news and new product announcements to Digital Engineering. Press releases may be sent to them via [email protected].
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