Additive Manufacturing Applications In The Field Of National Defense
4. 3D Printing tools for the US Navy
The US Navy is also taking advantage of additive manufacturing, with its Marine Corps discovering the ability of 3D printing to develop new vehicle maintenance tools. The Marine Corps Systems Command worked with supply battalions and industry partners to 3D-print additive manufacturing clamps for removing steering wheels from metal, a frequent problem in Navy vehicle maintenance. Additive manufacturing can help reduce maintenance and tool prep time, reducing the actual wait time for such parts to about 25 days.
5. U.S. Army Collaboration With University of South Florida to Develop Lightweight Magnesium Alloys
In addition to working regularly with companies, the Army is also working with universities on the cause of 3D printing. Recently, scientists at the University of Central Florida successfully 3D-printed a magnesium alloy called WE43. It is not a coincidence that the researchers developed the material, but because the military needed it. American soldiers are often forced to carry extremely heavy bags and equipment, so reducing their load is a very necessary research direction. But with the help of the WE43 and powder laser fusion process, the Army and the University of Central Florida may have found a solution.
6. 3D-Printed Boat Propellers
Naval Group, a well-known French company, has been using 3D printing for a variety of needs for several years. NavalGroup 3D printed propellers in January 2021 thanks to the WAAM (Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing) Additive Manufacturing process. The propeller consists of five 200-kilogram blades that were then attached to the Andromeda, a mine-detecting ship. The team behind the project explained that by using 3D printing technology, they significantly reduced construction time and minimized the amount of materials used.
7. The Spanish Air Force Upgraded Its Processes With 3D Printing
Additive manufacturing enables components to achieve high hardness, strength and other excellent characteristics. Through internal fiber reinforcement, researchers have developed tools and terminal parts that can withstand the harsh performance conditions required under very high component stress without any errors. In Madrid, the head of the Helicopter workshop of the Spanish Air Force says it is now trying to make every part through additive manufacturing and eschewing conventional manufacturing. These include a leak control measuring tool for a helicopter landing gear or a custom key for a helicopter's main rotor.
