- Siemens and Ingersoll Machine Tools have unveiled MasterPrint Deployable, a mobile 3D printing and milling system housed within two shipping containers.
- Powered by Siemens’ SINUMERIK ONE CNC platform, it combines additive and subtractive manufacturing with a digital twin for virtual commissioning.
- Designed for aerospace, defense, shipbuilding, and disaster relief, the system adapts to field conditions and supports multiple material types.
Germany’s Siemens and Illinois-based Ingersoll Machine Tools have unveiled a next-generation, containerized 3D printing and milling platform designed for field deployment.
The system—called MasterPrint Deployable—combines additive and subtractive capabilities in a transportable unit powered by Siemens’ SINUMERIK ONE CNC control platform.
Ingersoll, a 133-year-old builder of large-format machine tools, has collaborated with Siemens to create a machine that fits entirely within two modified 20-foot containers. Designed for rapid deployment to remote or mission-critical sites, the unit arrives with all necessary software, controls, and hardware onboard. Once operational, it can execute complex 3D printing and milling tasks using thermoplastic or metallic materials.
Zach Gray, Siemens’ Additive Business Development Manager, described the challenge as one that demanded unconventional thinking.
“We were challenged by Ingersoll, as we always are, to think outside the box—and yes, that’s a pun—given the nature of the final machine,” Gray said.
At the center of the platform is SINUMERIK ONE, Siemens’ digital-native CNC system. Its integration allows real-time operation to be visualized virtually through a high-fidelity digital twin—before the physical machine is even built. The control platform manages everything from multi-axis milling and robotic integration to deposition control and sensor feedback.
Ingersoll Vice President Jason Melcher explained that the platform was conceived without access to full details about the end-user application.
“We had the empty space of a Conex box as our starting point,” Melcher said. “The innovation came from adapting this space into a viable environment for precision manufacturing, while making it robust enough to function in difficult conditions.”
According to Ingersoll, MasterPrint Deployable is suited for roles in aerospace, defense, shipbuilding, and even disaster relief. Future variants may incorporate Directed Energy Deposition (DED), cold spray, WAAM, or other additive processes, depending on the mission.
The platform also supports automated composite manufacturing and, through SINUMERIK ONE, can adapt control parameters based on environmental conditions on site.
“That’s where the future-ready capabilities of SINUMERIK ONE really shine,” Melcher said, adding that the system’s touch probe and motion controls can adapt dynamically to material and positional variation.
The project underscores Siemens’ broader approach to enabling flexible production environments. “This application was an exciting challenge for us,” said Gray. “With the technologies we know we can incorporate into this Ingersoll concept—including robotics—it really does open the possible up for our customer and us.”
During field trials, the unit operated on a generator-fed power supply, using an internal transformer to adapt to local conditions. Melcher emphasized the role of Siemens in refining the scope of the platform. “They didn’t let us overreach. That’s the optimum contribution a partner can make.”
Beyond hardware, the project also benefits from expanded training support. Melcher praised Siemens for offering both operational and integration-focused training, noting that this enables faster startup times and smoother customer onboarding.