Squadron 2020 project aims to develop additive manufacturing capabilities for defense.
As additive manufacturing (AM) matures, the technology is increasingly finding applications in the defense sector due to its capabilities for producing complex parts using advanced materials and, more importantly, shortening critical supply chains to reduce operational risk. While aerospace applications are often the first to spring to mind, navies around the world have also been seeing considerable benefits to adopting AM.
The latest example comes from Finland, where a project called Squadron 2020 is bringing together AM supplier EOS, industrial metal 3D printing company AMEXCI, and Saab to develop new capabilities for metal additive manufacturing of defense components. More specifically, the project is focusing on metal AM for spare parts, as well as new product development.
The primary aim of Squadron 2020 is to replace seven vessels that are soon to be decommissioned, replacing them with four modern corvettes that will be constructed in Finland and geared with weapons and sensors purchased from abroad. According to a statement from the Finnish Navy, the vessels will need to be capable of mine laying and deploying mine countermeasures, as well as searching for and repelling submarines.
The original timeline for the project set the expected delivery of the vessels to the Finnish Defense Forces between 2023 and 2025, so the clock is ticking. Fortunately, between EOS as technology supplier, AMEXCI as service provider, and Saab providing technical expertise based on the successful implementation of metal AM in its own production processes, the project appears to be in good hands.
“I’m thrilled to be involved in developing new technologies and creating novel Nordic collaboration with Saab and EOS,” said Johannes Karjalainen, managing director of AMEXCI in a press release. “I believe our new competencies developed within this project will be beneficial for many companies and stakeholders, and it will strengthen Finnish supply chain resilience in challenging situations.”
“Over the years, we have developed comprehensive know-how on AM materials with an extensive material data bank, which we will leverage in this project,” said Paula Kainu, senior metal solutions architect at EOS, in the same release. “By combining our extensive experience with the specific application requirements, we can develop an AM solution that perfectly fits. Not only advancing this project but adding value to many companies alike.”
Expect more stories like this one in the year ahead as AM continues to gain ground in defense applications for land, air, and sea.
