Meltio to Inaugurate First International Advanced Additive Manufacturing Reference Site in US!

Meltio, a global leader in wire-laser metal additive manufacturing solutions, together with Fastech, a Virginia-based provider of advanced metal additive manufacturing and machining services, has announced the launch of a landmark initiative: the opening of Meltio’s first international Advanced Additive Manufacturing (AM) Reference Site. The site, located in Danville, Virginia, will be inaugurated on October 14, 2025, and will serve as a global showcase for Meltio’s Directed Energy Deposition (DED) wire-laser technology.

This milestone underscores Meltio’s breakthrough shift from infrared laser systems to Blue Laser wire metal 3D printing, a transition that delivers higher performance, superior reliability, and scalable solutions for demanding industrial applications. The Danville facility will operate as a demonstration hub where U.S. and international industries can directly experience the versatility and capabilities of Meltio’s solutions across sectors ranging from defense and aerospace to naval, automotive, energy, and education.

At the heart of this development is the Meltio M600 metal 3D printer and the Meltio Robot Cell, both acquired by Fastech and set to be fully operational and on display during the open house. The reference site will highlight how Meltio’s technology enables manufacturers to address critical challenges such as producing spare parts on demand in remote or operational environments, repairing obsolete or battle-damaged equipment, reducing supply chain vulnerabilities, and designing innovative, lightweight, and high-strength components.

Meltio’s technology stands out for its ability to process a wide range of metals—including stainless steel, titanium, copper, Inconel, aluminum, and Marine Bronze—using its Blue Laser DED systems. The newly introduced Meltio Engine Blue with its 1.4 kW fiber-optic-free laser head represents a significant leap forward in deposition rates, material versatility, and system reliability. Designed for easy integration into robotic arms and machining centers, it minimizes downtime and eliminates continuous alignment issues, offering faster production and reduced maintenance costs.

The Danville reference site will showcase real-world applications across industries, including a titanium flap actuator for aerospace, a Marine Bronze propeller shaft bracket for naval use, a dual-wall pipe for oil and gas, lightweight ice cleats for defense, and a jet engine exhaust for aerospace. These demonstrator parts illustrate the precision, repeatability, and efficiency that Meltio’s Blue Laser systems bring to industrial additive manufacturing.

Industry leaders have voiced strong support for this initiative. Alan Pearce, CEO of Fastech, emphasized the value for U.S. manufacturers: “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 for Meltio in the United States, reinforced the strategic importance: “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.”

By creating a center where innovation and industry meet, Meltio and Fastech are positioning the Danville reference site as a catalyst for the next era of advanced manufacturing. The facility will not only showcase Meltio’s Blue Laser technology but also provide a platform for companies to test, validate, and adopt solutions that reduce costs, accelerate production, and unlock new design possibilities for mission-critical applications.