Additive Manufacturing: A Pre-Farnborough Insight for ASEAN Factories

Additive Manufacturing: A Pre-Farnborough Insight for ASEAN Factories \nAs the global aerospace, aviation, space, and defense industries converge at the Farnborough International Airshow from July 20-24, 2026, the additive manufacturing (AM) community has a unique opportunity to connect and discuss the critical transition from promising capability to reliable, repeatable, and mission-ready production. This year, 3D Printing Industry will host the Additive Manufacturing Advantage: Aerospace, Space and Defense 2026 (AMAA 2026) on July 9, 2026, an online event that brings together key stakeholders in the AM world.\nFor ASEAN factories, this event offers a valuable chance to understand the latest trends and challenges in AM, which are increasingly relevant as the region's manufacturing sector seeks to stay competitive and innovative. The agenda includes discussions on qualification, advanced alloys, process control, production scale-up, supply chain resilience, and the shift from prototype parts to accepted hardware. These topics are particularly pertinent for factories in Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, and Malaysia, where the adoption of AM can drive significant improvements in efficiency, cost reduction, and product quality.\nOne of the key themes at AMAA 2026 is the modernization of metal AM qualification. For ASEAN factories, this means gaining insights into the latest standards and best practices for ensuring that AM parts meet the stringent requirements of aerospace and defense applications. Advanced alloys, such as tungsten and niobium, are also a focus, with their high-temperature capabilities making them ideal for use in critical components. Factories in the region can benefit from understanding how these materials can be integrated into their production processes to enhance performance and durability.\nAnother important topic is the role of Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing (WAAM) in defense autonomy. WAAM is a cost-effective and versatile technology that can be used to produce large, complex parts. For ASEAN factories, this presents an opportunity to explore new manufacturing methods that can reduce lead times and improve the flexibility of their production lines. Additionally, the event will delve into the challenges of moving from prototype to mission readiness, providing practical guidance on how to ensure that AM parts are reliable and consistent in demanding environments.\nThe speaker lineup at AMAA 2026 includes experts from NASA, Divergent Technologies, Oqton Global Holdings, Dyndrite, TANIOBIS, MX3D, JEOL USA, NIST, RTX, ASTM International, America Makes, Velo3D, Safran, Sakuu, Alderman & Company, Outlook Lab, Civil Military Innovation Institute, Addlab, Theta Technologies, and Farcco. These industry leaders will share their experiences and insights, offering a comprehensive view of the current state and future direction of AM in aerospace and defense.\nFor ASEAN factory buyers, the takeaway is clear: additive manufacturing is not just a promising technology but a strategic imperative. By staying informed about the latest developments and best practices, factories can position themselves to take advantage of the many benefits that AM offers, including improved design freedom, reduced material waste, and enhanced product performance. As the aerospace and defense sectors continue to evolve, the ability to produce high-quality, mission-ready parts will be a key differentiator for manufacturers in the region. Register for AMAA 2026 to gain the knowledge and connections you need to stay ahead of the curve.