3D Printing Reports to Marine Corps

Combat troops in the field are often challenged by limited or non-existent supply lines. If a critical part breaks or is damaged, it can be difficult to obtain a replacement. In some cases, they improvise and fabricate their own solutions—an application that 3D printing could potentially improve.

That was the idea behind a 3D printing event for Marines with the 7^th Marine Regiment and Combat Logistics Company in November. During the three-day course, Marines were asked to come up with innovative solutions for a series of pre-determined challenges.

The Marines were separated into teams and trained on the 3D printing software. They were then asked to manufacture an attachment to turn a water bottle and water hose into a shower head. They also created a 3D part that was used to create a ping pong ball launcher.

“I’m a firm believer in giving the warfighters as many tools as possible at their disposal,” said Brad Halsey, CEO and founder, Building Momentum, an engineering consulting firm that assists with the training. “With this class they are able to engineer solutions on the battlefield that might otherwise take months or years to solve.”

Potentially, 3D printing could be used to help troops design and produce critical parts in the field.

“The idea was to get the majority of the Marines who are deploying to become familiarized with this process,” said Staff Sg. Benjamin Crain, facilities manager with the 7^th Marine Regiment. “Not only will the Marines be able to perform their primary jobs, but if need be they can also produce products for their unit. We’re all about trying to minimize the amount of time but maximize the impact.”

The Marines have also tested the use of 3D-printed munitions and parts manufacturing.

Source: Department of Defense