Meltio, a global provider of metal 3D printing systems, together with Virginia-based precision engineering firm Fastech, has officially opened its first international Advanced Additive Manufacturing (AM) Reference Center in the United States. This new center in Danville marks the debut of Meltio’s next-generation wire-laser Directed Energy Deposition (DED) technology powered by Blue Laser, transitioning from previous infrared systems. The new Blue Laser approach brings enhanced performance, precision, and scalability for industries requiring high-strength, high-quality metal components.
The facility will serve as a showcase and hands-on demonstration space for U.S. and global manufacturers in defense, aerospace, naval, education, and industrial sectors. Visitors will be able to explore real-world use cases, live demonstrations, and advanced applications of wire-based metal 3D printing.
This launch represents a major step in Meltio’s global footprint. The shift to Blue Laser technology offers a more robust solution for producing and repairing metal parts on demand, particularly in remote or operational environments. By enabling in-field repairs, manufacturing of legacy components, and rapid prototyping, Meltio’s system addresses ongoing challenges related to logistics, cost, and time.
Fastech has installed both the Meltio M600 printer and the fully integrated Meltio Robot Cell, making them operational and available for public viewing during the grand opening. These systems enable the production of complex parts in materials such as stainless steel, copper, titanium, Inconel, and aluminum.
The new center provides a critical resource for U.S. manufacturers in defense, aerospace, automotive, energy, oil and gas, and research. Companies can validate, test, and implement AM technologies on-site, helping them to streamline supply chains, cut manufacturing costs, and accelerate product development.
Meltio’s Directed Energy Deposition (DED) systems, powered by cutting-edge Blue Laser technology, offer a range of advantages that are reshaping the future of metal manufacturing. These systems enable the production of high-precision parts while significantly reducing material waste, thanks to their near-net-shape approach. This efficient process minimizes excess material use and post-processing requirements, resulting in shorter production cycles and lower overall costs for manufacturers.
Designed for seamless integration with both robotic arms and CNC machines, Meltio’s solutions provide exceptional flexibility on the shop floor. This adaptability makes them suitable for a wide array of industries, from aerospace and automotive to defense and energy. Whether producing new parts or performing critical repairs, the technology offers fast turnaround times and consistent results, even in demanding operational environments.
Industry leaders have praised the impact of Meltio’s innovations. Alan Pearce, CEO of Fastech, emphasized the strategic value of the partnership, noting that it provides manufacturers with direct access to transformative 3D printing capabilities. “This facility will give our partners and clients direct access to the tools and technology that are reshaping how critical parts are made and repaired,” he said. Gabriel Ortiz, Meltio’s U.S. Sales Manager, highlighted the broader vision: “Opening this reference site in Virginia demonstrates our commitment to American industry. Together with Fastech, we’re helping manufacturers explore the full potential of modern additive manufacturing.”
At the heart of this innovation is the Meltio Engine Blue — the latest addition to the company’s product lineup. Equipped with a powerful 1.4kW Blue Laser head, the system is engineered for improved reliability, faster deposition, and greater compatibility across various manufacturing setups. Key features include the elimination of fiber optics, streamlined maintenance, and the ability to process a wide range of metals such as titanium, copper, aluminum, and stainless steel.
Alejandro Nieto, Product Manager at Meltio, noted the practical advantages the system delivers: “This new system is designed to meet real-world manufacturing needs. With Blue Laser technology, we’re helping companies boost productivity, reduce downtime, and expand the range of materials they can work with.” This emphasis on reliability, speed, and material versatility positions the Meltio Engine Blue as a pivotal tool in advancing industrial-grade additive manufacturing.
Visitors to Fastech’s new Reference Site can see the results firsthand. A variety of complex, high-performance components will be on display, including a multi-material artillery shell for defense, a corrosion-resistant dual wall pipe for oil and gas, and a lightweight titanium flap actuator for aerospace. Additional highlights include automotive engine blocks, naval propeller shaft brackets, and Invar aerospace tooling — each demonstrating Meltio’s ability to produce durable, precise parts for highly specialized applications. Meltio’s wire-laser Blue Laser 3D printing systems are designed to help manufacturers reduce lead times, cut costs, and unlock advanced part designs previously limited by conventional methods.
Fastech, founded in 2018 in Danville, Virginia, delivers metal additive manufacturing and precision machining services. The company was the first in the U.S. to use Gefertec metal 3D printers and now operates a full suite of machining, reverse engineering, and hybrid manufacturing capabilities tailored to the needs of American industry.
Meltio develops advanced metal 3D printing systems that combine wire-laser deposition with accessible, industrial-grade performance. The company’s solutions include the M600 industrial printer, the Meltio Engine Blue for robotic and CNC integrations, and the turnkey Meltio Robot Cell for on-site production and repair applications.
