3D Printing & the Future of the Military

Military 3D Printing

When we think of printers, several things that come to mind are reports, concert tickets or high quality photos that we can share with our family and friends. However, recent breakthroughs in the 3D printing sector are about to change the way manufacturers across the world run their production facilities. These new 3D printers will be so advanced that militaries across the nation will be able to adopt and utilize this technology to become more efficient. Here are several ways that 3D printers are about to change the game.

The Future of Food

In today’s warfare setting, there are no stoves, microwaves or legitimate sources of nutrients that are vital for soldiers to remain healthy enough to fight. Instead, they are given lightweight rations that are powder-based meals and require a small amount of water and just a quick shake to trigger a heating agent within their rations. However, with new advanced 3D printers like the Chefjet Pro, soldiers will have a greater selection of food items that are packed with the nutrients they need. It sounds like a crazy futuristic concept, but it’s here and it’s now. The most interesting aspect of this new “printed” food is the fact that ingredients can be added to each meal dependent on the specific nutrient a soldier lacks. This will be useful especially while soldiers are deployed to more remote missions and locations.

The Future of Equipment

3D Printing Gear

Weapons, vehicles and other utilities necessary for combat are some of the most expensive costs any military will face. With bases all over the world, this can get extremely expensive. With the recent breakthrough of advanced 3D printing, anything from missiles to jets can be produced for a fraction of the cost. One engineer of the US army recently stated, “If you have a certified operator, certified materials and a certified printer, you can make qualified parts.” This is a truly groundbreaking concept because operators will be able to have full control of unique designs and geometries that were not possible just a decade ago. Some other products that these 3D printers will produce include:

  • Uniforms
  • Tools
  • Weapons
  • Replacement Parts For Vehicles
  • The Future of Medicine

    This could be one of the greatest assets not only for any military, but also the entire medical field from small surgeons to emergency rooms and hospitals. With these new high-tech printers, an entire human body can be recreated including prosthetic legs and skin properties that are some of the most common injuries endured while in combat. Scientists hope to develop life-like skin properties from the hair follicles to the elasticity and sweat glands within the epidermis. With these new opportunities, this will definitely pave the way for future medical procedures and operations globally. Some other uses for printers in the medical field include the development of:

  • Organs
  • Skin Tissue
  • Prosthetic Limbs
  • Artificial Joints
  • Contact Your 3D Printer Filament Suppliers

    These are just a few ways that industries like the armed forces will be able to utilize these 3D printing technologies and we’re just as excited as they are! At Gizmo Dorks, we are the online supplier of all your 3D printing needs. From 3D printer PLA filament to ABS Filament, we’ve got you covered! If you have any questions about our products or their capabilities, contact us today so one of our dedicated representatives can assist you!