US Army seeks new uses for 3D printing
US Army scientists developed a dual-polymer filament that helps to produce heavy-duty printed parts. (Photo: US Army)
Accessing 3D printing technologies can better support armed forces on the battlefield and bring many benefits for military readiness. These advantages have been pushing the US Army towards identifying new applications for these systems.
Also called additive manufacturing, 3D printing can be used in hybrid manufacturing processes, spreading the development of vital equipment and even weapons systems, in addition to fast providing replacement parts and reducing reliance on huge warehouses or long supply chains.
The US Army also seeks to apply this technology in conjunction with robotic and AI capacities.
James Zunino, Army Technical Area Chief (TAC-1) Advanced Materials & Manufacturing
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Land Warfare
-
Germany signs multi-billion-dollar deals for 6x6 CAVS and GDELS Eagle vehicles
The order is a further boost for the Common Armoured Vehicles System programme which has notched notable successes in the past 12 months. The first vehicle, made in Finland, will be delivered next year with local production expected to ramp up in 2027.
-
Rheinmetall and KNDS tank tie-up narrows trans-European options
The French and German governments signed an agreement in June 2018 to cooperate on the development of a new main battle tank under the Main Ground Combat System programme but the effort has struggled. This new agreement may damage it further.
-
Hungary set to begin using Hero 400 loitering munitions
Developed by Israel's Uvision and with systems being sold in the thousands to multiple European NATO countries and the US, the Hero family of loitering systems is also in production in the US and Italy, the latter through Rheinmetall.
-
Croatia orders Leopards and CAESAR howitzers as Lithuania orders more CAESARs
The Leopard is becoming the tank of choice in central and eastern Europe as Croatia joins Lithuania, the Czech Republic and Hungary in ordering the platform. Lithuania and Croatia have also signed for CAESAR howitzers.
-
Light Reconnaissance Strike – enabling a vital mission set (Studio)
A new system-of-systems concept will unlock digital integration of sensors and weapons for Light Forces, allowing them to shape the battlefield environment on their own terms and upgrade legacy platforms.