Mobile CNC manufacturing for armed forces
Repair on site and restore combat readiness
A missing spare part can put a vehicle out of action. The Armanex Deployable Field Manufacturing Hub (DFMH) enables mobile, decentralised production and reworking of spare parts for military vehicles directly in the operational area or at a field camp. This helps minimise logistics bottlenecks, shorten transport and waiting times and restore combat readiness sooner.
Repairs for armed forces
From damage back to operational readiness
The DFMH was developed to significantly accelerate Battle Damage Repair. When a damaged metal component puts a tank, military vehicle or technical equipment out of action, maintenance personnel can manufacture and rework suitable replacement parts directly at the field camp. Instead of waiting weeks for delivery from the home country, they have access to decentralised manufacturing close to the point of need.
The dramatised film example shows a repair to an external assembly: assess the damage, manufacture matching replacement parts and install them at the original mounting points.
Process
Repair damage and restore operational readiness
Assess damage and needs
Identify the damaged component, the affected vehicle or equipment and the requirements for the repair.
Define the process
Check the material, geometry and manufacturing data and select a suitable machining process.
Manufacture or rework
Produce a suitable replacement close to the point of need or rework the affected area of the existing component.
Inspect and return to use
Inspect and correctly install the component. Complete the required checks before releasing the vehicle or equipment for operational use.
Vehicles and equipment
Repair vehicles directly on site
A faulty component does not always require transport of an entire vehicle or assembly. Portable milling machines support repairs close to the point of need: manufacture suitable spare parts, rework damaged surfaces and restore equipment to use. The machining examples below illustrate possible tasks; material, geometry and access determine a suitable configuration.
Repair vehicles and equipment close to the point of need: these scenes illustrate damage assessment, manufacturing, reworking and installation in a military setting.
Assess vehicle damage
Technicians inspect the damaged component at the vehicle and establish the manufacturing or reworking needed for the repair.
Manufacture a replacement
A mobile manufacturing unit can produce suitable metal components close to a disabled vehicle and reduce trips to central workshops.
Rework the component
Rework suitable housings or mating surfaces close to the vehicle so that the repair team can reuse existing components.
Inspect and reinstall
Install the component correctly and complete the required checks. Release for operational use follows the inspection process.
AI-generated concept images. They illustrate repair scenarios, not actual defence operations or specific Armanex system configurations.
Maintenance and wear
Repairs in the field and in the workshop
Operational readiness also relies on routine maintenance and repairs to worn components. Mobile milling supports maintenance personnel with suitable machining tasks close to the point of need and in the workshop. This approach also offers applications for comparable industrial maintenance tasks.
Reduce transport and support operational readiness
Transport
Manufacturing and reworking close to the point of need can reduce transport to central workshops and depots.
Disassembly
An accessible machining area on site can avoid removing and transporting entire assemblies.
Downtime
Shorter transport and waiting times can support rapid repairs and help return vehicles and equipment to operational use.
The economic case depends on the machining task, utilisation, setup and available personnel.
The technology
CNC milling for mobile repair operations
The Armanex Deployable Field Manufacturing Hub combines mobile spare parts manufacturing with precise CNC finishing. As a hybrid machine, the DFMH features an integrated CNC milling unit: manufactured metal components can be machined directly to the required dimensions and prepared for installation. The required inspections and release for operational use complete the repair process.
Milling machine components
- Drive units
- Machine frame
- Milling spindle
- Workpiece in clamping fixture
Mobile manufacturing close to the point of need
The Armanex Deployable Field Manufacturing Hub consists of standardised, mobile containers that can be flexibly deployed. They bring decentralised spare parts production and reworking directly to the operational area or field camp. The manufacturing task, transport and operating environment determine the appropriate configuration.
Secure digital data exchange
The DFMH is fully integrated into a protected, cloud-enabled ecosystem. This connects on-site mobile manufacturing with secure digital data exchange for spare parts production and reworking in the operational area.
Modular expansion options
CNC milling forms the basis of the manufacturing system. Welding and metal 3D printing are planned as potential future extensions to the DFMH. These would enable the Armanex solution to cover additional on-site manufacturing and repair tasks. Suitable extensions are tailored to the intended repair tasks and operating conditions.
Your point of contact: Armanex Defence
Armanex Defence is a division of ExoEnergies GmbH, based at Dortmund Airport. We work with requirements owners, institutions and integrators to explore mobile CNC manufacturing for the repair of armed forces vehicles and equipment.
Armanex DefenceAirport Dortmund · Flugplatz 9 · 44319 Dortmund · Germany
What repairs do you need to enable on site?
Talk to us about the Deployable Field Manufacturing Hub for repairs to your vehicles and equipment, or request a demonstration. Details about the component, material and operating environment help us develop a suitable approach to on-site spare parts manufacturing and reworking.