Guide: The U.S. military has begun to use 3D printing technology to produce special parts and tools, and plans to continue to increase the use of 3D printing technology in the future.
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△The airborne innovation laboratory is providing technical support for 3D printing for soldiers
At present, advanced manufacturing technology has become one of the important driving forces of US military innovation. Antarctic Bear made a comprehensive review of the recent application of 3D printing technology by the US military to improve combat effectiveness and efficiency, as well as the efforts made by the US government to promote the application of this technology in the military and civilian fields.
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△nScrypt nRugged system
Military 3D printing in extremely cold conditions
Recently, the U.S. Department of Defense has begun using 3D printing technology in all areas and at all levels of the Pentagon. The DoD's Office of Manufacturing Technology recently launched a "Point of Need Challenge" contest that attracted many companies to participate.
Among them, SPEE3D, an Australian manufacturer of cold-spray 3D printing equipment, won in terms of printing equivalent or high-quality parts in sub-zero extreme temperatures. Another 3D printing equipment manufacturer, nScrypt, used its nRugged platform to manufacture a replacement PCB solution in -40° weather conditions. Additionally, nScrypt's winning proposal included printing custom biomedical scaffolds in an equivalent environment.
This shows that once all the equipment is successfully deployed at scale, they are not just used to make replacement parts, but can use the logistics force to be able to manufacture items on demand for soldiers on the front line to meet unknown needs and challenges. Overall, this is an important attempt by the U.S. military to use 3D printing technology to improve its soldiers' ability to cope in extreme environments.
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△MK 15 Phalanx CIWS
US Navy Invents New 3D Printing Tool
In the past week alone, the Air Force, Army, Navy and Marine Corps have made several public press announcements. Perhaps the most high-profile example of this is the latest developments at the U.S. Navy's Southeastern Regional Maintenance Center (SERMC) in Mayport, Florida.
Nicholas Heinrich, SERM's Director of Additive Manufacturing Coordinator, and his fellow machinist teamed up with Terry Henderson, a civilian technician at the center, to invent a brand new tool to tackle the latest version of the MK 15 Phalanx Close-in Defense System (CWIS) Existing problems.
The tool's innovation stems from an issue with the MK 15 Phalanx Close-In Weapon System's (CWIS) new geared motor powering the Electro-Optical Stabilization Subsystem (EOSS), which resulted in a high failure rate for replacing the motor. Replacing a motor previously required an experienced technician because of the lack of physical structural control of the new motor during reassembly. Since the mechanical configuration for removal and replacement using steel wire straps attached to the motor was still insufficient, the team turned to metal 3D printing, creating, designing, producing and testing a completely new and successful tool. The whole process took just six weeks.
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△Old tools used to remove and replace MK 15 Phalanx CIWS engine
“We offer a self-aligning design that allows the motor to be removed or installed easily and with great precision, and our handle prevents jamming by concentrically aligning the motor with the support sleeve,” explains Heinrich. As a result, every motor change can be carried out easily and smoothly without much technical effort, regardless of the skill level of the individuals involved.”
Commander Captain Justin Dowd said: "3D printing technology provides sailors with creative problem-solving opportunities, taking this opportunity to give people in our organization a better opportunity to explore technology. Our organization can continue to continuously improve technical capabilities, As a result, there are better ways of working and taking full advantage of our 3D printing capabilities."
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△Nicholas Heinrich holding a new tool for 3D printing
3D printing manufacturing technology integrated directly into the armed forces
As for SERMC, the group is seeking a patent for its new tool and is providing blueprints to the U.S. Navy's Mid-Atlantic Regional Maintenance Center (MARMC). The 3D printed tool, which costs only $30-$40 to produce, can save technicians nearly five hours in repair time, according to SERMC.
These reports indicate that the U.S. Armed Forces, whether it is the Navy, Army, or other branches, are actively exploring and adopting intelligent robotics and autonomous systems to improve work efficiency and reduce risk. The Marine Corps' updated plan is more explicit that it is considering creating a new work area dedicated to operating these technologies. Either way, it points to the growing importance of artificial intelligence and autonomous robots in a new generation of warfare.
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△U.S. paratroopers use 3D printing technology to design a new way to carry missiles, whether Stinger or Javelin
Meanwhile, the Fayetteville Observer indicated that a new unit called the Gainey Company was formed in March at the U.S. Army's 82nd Airborne Division base at Fort Bragg. The unit consists of three platoons and a facility called the Airborne Innovation Lab, which consists of just two soldiers, three civilian contractors and various manufacturing equipment, including 3D printers. The Gainey Company also emphasizes the use of the latest innovative tools, and emphasizes that occupational professional background is not a limiting factor for joining the force: the goal is to equip as many people as possible with new skills. This move shows once again that the U.S. military is gradually introducing the latest manufacturing technologies and tools to improve its own combat capabilities and effectiveness.
