BALTEXPO 2025 results: Additive technologies as a strategic resource for the maritime and defence industries

BALTEXPO 2025 results: Additive technologies as a strategic resource for the maritime and defence industries

The 23rd international exhibition BALTEXPO in Gdańsk has recently come to an end, and for the Center 3D Print team, it was three days of intensive technical consultations and demonstrations of the real capabilities of modern 3D printing. Our key conclusion: the industry has moved from theoretical interest to the search for practical solutions for specific, critically important tasks. We presented a full range of additive services, and the centrepiece of the exhibition was technologies that are already changing approaches to production today.

Selective laser sintering (SLS):

The technology that attracted the most attention was selective laser sintering (SLS) on Formlabs equipment, which is the ideal solution for functional prototyping and small-batch production. We demonstrated lightweight and durable housings for drones and UAVs manufactured using both SLS and SLA technologies, a motorised tripod for Xspecter optics as an example of a complex finished mechanism, and a nylon glove and chain mail clearly demonstrated the unique capabilities of the technology in creating moving products in a single print cycle, surprising even experienced engineers.

Metal composite and SLM printing:

Details printed from carbon composites on Markforged printers attracted no less interest. The ability to manufacture lightweight components with strength comparable to aluminium is critical for aviation and unmanned systems, where every gram counts. Visitors highly appreciated the potential of this technology for the production of custom fasteners and UAV structural elements.

There was particular excitement around samples printed from metal using SLM (Fastform) technology. Visitors, including military specialists, were actively interested in the technical characteristics of metals and the possibility of rapid printing of spare parts for ship equipment. This confirms the global trend towards the creation of ‘digital warehouses’ and the production of parts on demand, which is key to the maintainability of equipment in the field.

Full production cycle:

It is important that we demonstrated not only printing, but also the full production cycle, including the stages that precede it. We showed the capabilities of high-precision 3D scanning with equipment from Shining 3D for reverse engineering tasks, as well as the Xgrids system for fast and accurate scanning of large objects and premises.

The exhibition became a platform for productive networking for us and confirmed the high demand for engineering expertise in additive technologies. We are returning with dozens of new contacts, specific technical requests, and a clear action plan. We would like to thank the organisers of BALTEXPO and everyone who visited our stand for the meaningful dialogue. The Center 3D Print team is ready for new projects and continued cooperation.