Stamas and UiS launch ACE – a new center for additive manufacturing in Rogaland

Stamas Solutions and the University of Stavanger (UiS) are establishing ACE – Additive Center of Excellence. The center aims to connect industrial production with research and expertise development, and make it easier for the Norwegian industry to adopt additive manufacturing in metals and polymers.

ACE is established based on Stamas’ industrial production environment at Forus and the research and laboratory environments at UiS. Together, the parties will develop expertise, production processes and qualification processes that make additive manufacturing a real option for the Norwegian industry.

The goal is to cover the entire value chain, from design and material selection to production, machining, testing, qualification, and documentation.

From technology to industrial production

Additive manufacturing offers new opportunities to manufacture complex components, reduce material consumption, and produce spare parts as needed. At the same time, the industry places high demands on quality, traceability, and documentation.

ACE is intended to help reduce the gap between technological development and industrial application.

At Stamas, existing CNC capabilities and long-standing experience in delivering solutions to the energy industry are combined with new technology for metal printing. A new industrial metal printer from DMG MORI is scheduled to be installed at the beginning of 2027.

Photo: DMG MORI

 

At UiS, the research and competence environment within polymer-based additive manufacturing, 3D scanning, and material technology is being developed.

Qualification and documentation at the center

An important goal for ACE is to develop qualified production processes for industries with strict technical requirements, including energy, subsea, maritime sectors and the defense sector.

Work begins with stainless steel 316L, before expanding to nickel-based alloys such as Inconel 625 and 718.

ACE also participates in DNV’s international ProGRAM JIP, where the industry collaborates on standards and qualification methods for additive manufactured components and digital inventory management.

A collaboration between industry and academia

The collaboration between Stamas and UiS is the core of ACE. Through research, industrial development, and practical projects, the center aims to contribute to building expertise and educating the next generation of engineers.

An industry-oriented doctoral program is already underway, focusing on the selection of production methods and how digital inventory systems can be implemented. From the spring of 2027, bachelor's and master's students will also be involved in industry-related issues.

ACE is supported by the Ulla-Førrefondet and will be further developed in collaboration with the industry. The ambition is to build a nationally relevant competence and production environment based in Rogaland.

Norway's industrial future is being built here!

With ACE, Stamas and UiS want to bring industry, academia and technology communities together around a common goal: to strengthen Norwegian production expertise and make advanced production technology more accessible to industry.

The center is intended to contribute to increased competitiveness, more robust value chains, and new industrial opportunities.

ACE will be launched on November 3, 2026 at the University of Stavanger.

Click here to participate in the opening of ACE on November 3rd, from 14:30 to 19:00, SiS Student House