DANVILLE, VA and LINARES, Spain, Sep 17, 2025 – Meltio and Fastech has announced the launch of its introduction from the infrared-laser–based Meltio engine robot integration to blue laser wire metal 3D printing technology.
Meltio is set to spotlight its metal additive manufacturing (AM) technology in the US, choosing Fastech’s Danville facilities – as the site of its first international reference site. On Oct 14, the open house will show how industries as varied as defense, aerospace, energy, automotive, aeronautics, oil and gas, and mining are turning to Meltio’s Directed Energy Deposition (DED) wire-laser metal 3D printing to streamline production and reduce lead times.
Click here to access the registration form to attend the event on Oct 14, 2025.
The new Meltio reference site will specialize in producing metal parts for sectors such as defense, aerospace, naval, education, and beyond. It highlights the value of wire-laser metal additive manufacturing in solving challenges like enabling repair and production in remote areas, replacing obsolete components, restoring battle-damaged equipment, and providing design flexibility. Meltio’s systems reduce dependence on unstable supply chains and can be operated remotely, helping companies produce parts faster and at lower cost.
As part of this milestone, Fastech has acquired the Meltio M600 metal 3D printer and the Meltio robot cell, which will be operational and on display during the open house, showcasing Meltio’s industrial metal additive manufacturing solutions.
Advancing The Defense and Security Sector: A New Era for The American Industry
Meltio’s reference site will enable manufacturers to test, validate, and adopt metal AM applications. The center will help companies reduce costs, speed up production, and strengthen supply chains.
The Meltio M600 industrial system and the Meltio engine integration kit for industrial robots enable the production and repair of parts in multiple materials, including copper, titanium, stainless steel, Inconel, and aluminum.
Competitive Advantages
Meltio uses blue laser wire-laser directed energy deposition (DED) to support changing production needs in U.S. industries. The Blue Laser technology enables metal additive manufacturing for part production, repair, and design modifications, maintaining durability. Its near-net shape approach minimizes production time and reduces material waste. Meltio’s DED systems provide higher tolerances and consistent part definition, making them suited for applications that require precision, repeatability, and reduced lead times.
Alan Pearce, CEO of Fastech, said: “We are proud to partner with Meltio to bring this groundbreaking reference site to life. Many companies, including ours, are embracing DED technology because it enables higher tolerances, superior part definition, precision, repeatability, readiness, and reduced lead times. This site will give U.S. manufacturers the chance to experience those advantages firsthand.”
Gabriel Ortiz, sales manager, Meltio in the United States, added: “Establishing this first global reference site in the United States reflects Meltio’s strong commitment to supporting U.S. industries. With Fastech, we are giving manufacturers the opportunity to explore cutting-edge applications, from defense to research, that demonstrate the transformative power of wire-laser metal 3D printing.”
Meltio Engine Blue & Multi-Laser Blue Deposition Head, A Reliable Industrial Solution
The Meltio engine blue can print stainless steel, titanium, copper, aluminum, nickel, and other metals, producing parts with high density for industrial applications.
“The new Meltio Engine Blue is a breakthrough in our directed energy deposition (DED) technology, designed to meet the evolving demands of manufacturing worldwide,” says Meltio product manager Alejandro Nieto. “It delivers higher reliability and deposition rates, enabling faster production and superior quality. With a fiber-optic-free 1.4 kW blue laser head, integration into robotic arms and vertical machining centers is simpler, maintenance is reduced, and issues like continuous laser alignment are eliminated. This allows our customers to optimize processes, reduce downtime, and work with a broader range of materials.”
Metal Parts on Display at Fastech’s New Reference Site During The Open House:
- Artillery Shell: Defense sector application developed by Meltio on the Meltio M600. Manufactured in SS-316LSi and Marine Bronze, it demonstrates the potential of multi-material additive manufacturing for defense components.
- Dual Wall Pipe: Oil & Gas sector application developed by Meltio. Produced in SS-316LSi with the Meltio engine robot, this part demonstrates the potential of additive manufacturing for corrosion-resistant components in energy environments.
- Engine Block: Automotive sector application developed by Polimotor. Manufactured in SS-316LSi using Meltio engine robot, this part showcases the potential of additive manufacturing for automotive components.
- Flap Actuator: Aerospace sector application developed by Meltio. Manufactured in Titanium 64 on the Meltio M600, this component weighs 0.67 kg, showcasing the advantages of lightweight additive manufacturing for aerospace systems.
- Lightweight Tank Ice Cleats: Defense sector case study developed by Meltio with AM Solutions for the K2 black panther tank. Produced on the Meltio M600, these parts achieve 60% weight reduction, enhance soldier mobility, and reduce lifecycle costs, showcasing the advantages of additive manufacturing for tactical applications.
- Winglet Mould: Aerospace sector case study developed by CATEC in collaboration with Meltio. Manufactured in Invar using the Meltio engine robot, this part demonstrates high precision and thermal stability, highlighting the potential of wire-laser DED technology for the production and repair of aerospace tooling.
- Propeller Shaft Bracket: Naval sector application developed by Meltio. Manufactured in Marine Bronze on the Meltio M600, this part demonstrates the strength and corrosion resistance achievable with additive manufacturing for maritime components.
- Jet Engine Exhaust: Aerospace sector application developed by Meltio. Manufactured in SS-316LSi using the Meltio engine robot, this part showcases the durability and high-temperature performance achievable with additive manufacturing for aerospace components.
Source: Meltio
About Fastech
Fastech, based in Danville, VA, was founded in 2018 at the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research. The company provides metal additive manufacturing using laser-wire direct energy deposition (LW-DED) and wire-arc additive manufacturing (WAAM) technologies, along with CNC machining, reverse engineering, design-for-manufacture, prototyping, and supply chain management services. FasTech was among the first companies in the United States to use Gefertec 3D metal printing machines and has since expanded its capabilities with additional machining centers and reverse engineering equipment. FasTech serves industries including aerospace, power generation, space, motorsports, oil and gas, medical equipment, rail, agricultural machinery, nuclear, marine, and machine tool accessories. FasTech operates as a contract manufacturer and engineering services provider for U.S. industrial clients adopting metal additive technologies.
About Meltio
Meltio, founded in 2019 and headquartered in Linares, Spain, specializes in metal additive manufacturing solutions using its proprietary wire-laser Directed Energy Deposition (DED) technology. The company offers a range of products, including the Meltio M450 and M600 3D printers, as well as integration kits for CNC machines and robotic systems, enabling hybrid manufacturing capabilities. Meltio serves various industries such as aerospace, defense, automotive, energy, and education, providing tools for both production and research applications. As of early 2025, Meltio has sold over 500 systems worldwide, with installations in more than 60 countries, and employs approximately 120 people. In 2024, the company reported a 50% increase in revenue compared to the previous year, reflecting its growing market presence. Notably, Meltio’s technology has been adopted by several defense organizations, including the U.S. Navy, the French Navy, and the South Korean Army, for on-site manufacturing and repair of metal components.