The U.S. Army is pushing the boundaries of additive manufacturing by advancing its ability to 3D-print spare parts during operations. This innovation aims to enhance operational adaptability and address logistical challenges in combat environments.
Background
During a recent exercise at the Joint Readiness Training Center at Fort Johnson, Louisiana, the Army demonstrated the potential of 3D printing at the tactical edge. A digital file of a repair part was successfully transmitted to a forward-deployed unit, where it was 3D-printed and utilized. Lieutenant General Christopher Mohan, Acting Commander of Army Materiel Command (AMC), highlighted the significance of this achievement despite ongoing challenges.
Strategic Vision
This initiative aligns with Army Chief of Staff General Randy George’s vision to enhance adaptability in combat scenarios. Historically, deploying 3D printing in the field required large, trailer-sized equipment. The Army now aims to reduce the logistical footprint of these technologies while maintaining their utility for rapid part production.
Supply Chain Resilience
AMC has increasingly leveraged additive manufacturing to address supply chain vulnerabilities, particularly for parts no longer available from original manufacturers. These efforts, accelerated by pandemic-related disruptions, include developing a digital repository of approximately 1,000 parts. Many of these components feature improvements over the original designs, ensuring better performance.
Training and Implementation
The Army’s Sustainment Center of Excellence is collaborating with AMC to enhance soldier training in advanced manufacturing at the tactical level. Additionally, the Army is evaluating the most effective organizational levels—brigade, division, or corps—for deploying 3D printing capabilities to support expeditionary operations.
Future Outlook
As the Army refines its additive manufacturing strategies, it aims to integrate capabilities across the organic industrial base and the tactical level through a centralized data hub. This approach will allow units to access and produce necessary parts tailored to their operational needs and technological capabilities. While recent successes, such as 3D-printing a fan shroud, are promising, the production of complex components remains a challenge. The Army is actively working to streamline processes to enhance readiness and sustainment in dynamic combat environments.
