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US army builds its own 3D printer
http://www.x404.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?f=19&t=17619		 Page 1 of 1
Author:  pcernie [ Sat Nov 10, 2012 10:38 pm ]
Post subject:  US army builds its own 3D printer
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-20269645

:)
Author:  Amnesia10 [ Sun Nov 11, 2012 7:16 am ]
Post subject:  Re: US army builds its own 3D printer
While the US military budget is too large the actual top leadership are fully aware of the real problems even if the politicians are clueless. This is actually a very good idea. It will save them money in the long run. Our forces should do something similar. It will definitely make savings that do not harm the front line capability of the forces.
Author:  JJW009 [ Sun Nov 11, 2012 12:19 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: US army builds its own 3D printer
There is a serious limitation on what you can use these things for because of the nature of the material they use to fabricate the product. A perfect replica in every way, except it melts on re-entry, doesn't protect from radiation and snaps easily...
Author:  Amnesia10 [ Sun Nov 11, 2012 5:16 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: US army builds its own 3D printer
JJW009 wrote:
There is a serious limitation on what you can use these things for because of the nature of the material they use to fabricate the product. A perfect replica in every way, except it melts on re-entry, doesn't protect from radiation and snaps easily...

Yes but as a temporary measure it could be a lot cheaper than getting a spare part flown out from the US to some battlefield. The real benefits will come much later once they have tougher materials and they have redesigned many weapons and vehicles with the intention of using the 3D printer for spares. You have to start some where.
Author:  Spreadie [ Sun Nov 11, 2012 7:38 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: US army builds its own 3D printer
That's a far cry from the old guard - buy three at ten times the cost.
Author:  ProfessorF [ Sun Nov 11, 2012 9:57 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: US army builds its own 3D printer
It really depends on what sort of thing they need to be manufacturing. There's several 3D printing technologies that go, more or less, from hot wax to titanium powder.
Author:  Amnesia10 [ Sun Nov 11, 2012 10:26 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: US army builds its own 3D printer
ProfessorF wrote:
It really depends on what sort of thing they need to be manufacturing. There's several 3D printing technologies that go, more or less, from hot wax to titanium powder.

Yes so if they have one of each printer type they could make most parts necessary. It will be useful on a battalion level.
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