US Marine Corps bring 3D printing to the front lines

3D printing has come to combat zones and the United States Marine Corps is welcoming it with open arms into their bases. The branch of the United States military has been one of the leading voices behind the incorporation of 3D printing in the military, recognizing early on its benefits and the many possibilities it can offer to make fighting smarter and bring the advantages they need while risking their lives out on the field.

This latest endeavor by the Marines comes on the curtails of other announcements made by players in the defense industry this year, such as defense giant Lockheed Martin’s announcement of their ICBM design or APWorks and Dassault Systèmes partnership announcement last month to bring additive manufacturing further into the defense and aerospace industry – Helping to illustrate just how big a role additive manufacturing will play in the future.

Gen. Robert B. Neller, Commandant of the Marine Corps (right), observes a 3D printer in the Central Command area of operations photo// Marine Corps – Cpl. Samantha K. Braun

By bringing 3D printers to the front lines for soldiers, they have gained a great benefit. As most of the areas the soldiers are in are highly active, these machines are enabling soldiers to repair their parts, gear and creating an overall faster supply chain so that they can continue their fight without having to wait for replacements to arrive. Thanks to the addition of these machines, they are also able to highlight the benefits of this technology both in the military and outside.