On August 26, 2026, SMEC (099440), a South Korean machine tool and automation company, signed a business agreement with AM Solutions, a metal additive manufacturing specialist, to jointly develop hybrid manufacturing systems that integrate DED (Directed Energy Deposition) additive processes with subtractive machining, as well as dedicated metal AM equipment. SMEC contributes machining, equipment design, and automation expertise, while AM Solutions brings three core process capabilities: Laser Powder DED, Laser Wire DED, and Arc Wire DED. The collaboration targets high-value components for the defense and aerospace sectors. AM Solutions' client portfolio includes Hanwha Aerospace, Doosan Energy, and the Republic of Korea Army and Marine Corps, and the company holds Korea Register (KR) certification for metal structure repair processes. The integration of additive and subtractive manufacturing is a critical pathway for moving metal AM from prototyping to production-grade manufacturing. Korean equipment makers' strong defense customer base provides a practical foundation for commercial adoption. Value for powder buyers: ① DED processes directly consume metal powders such as titanium and nickel-based alloys, and the scale-up of hybrid systems opens new channels for coarse powder markets; ② The defense and aerospace focus means powders must meet military-standard certification requirements; ③ Monitor how SMEC's production ramp-up drives demand in the domestic Korean and broader Asia-Pacific DED powder markets.