Marines made 3D printed part for F-35 Stealth Fighter

Earlier this year a team of marines managed to save $ 70.000 through 3D printing. By using additive manufacturing to 3D print a small component for an F-35 Stealth Fighter, they saved the money, as they avoided having to purchase a completely new landing gear door for the plane.

As of now the US Army have set guidelines and instructions on 3D printing new parts for on-ground vehicles. Each new 3D printed part goes through approval by the Marine Systems Command (MSC). That said it is different in relation to aircrafts as they by nature are a lot more restrictive. Naturally the when working with aircrafts there are airborn concerns to consider. Meaning any 3D printed parts for planes will have to be good. Good enough as to not bring any crew or pilots in danger and avoid a possible crash. The US Marines have previously used 3D printing in various ways. From creating submarine hulls to be able to 3D print necessary equipment on site it has been implemented. Thus the military is bringing 3D technology to the front line.

The small component is mounted to the door to be pressed into the latch. The 3D printed part was designed and printed by Marines from the Combat logistics Battalion 31 (CLB-31) located in Carderock, Maryland. It was done so with the support of Sam Pratt, a mechanical engineer at the Carderock’s Additive Manufacturing Project Office. He helped them out by providing technical assistance to the team.