It’s understandable why the world’s biggest militaries have invested hundreds of millions in 3D printing research and development. In no other industry than the military is control over the supply chain more crucial. Shipping replacement parts from machine tooling hubs abroad is expensive and time consuming and it is strategically important to move manufacturing closer to the action. From the US to Australia, the armed forces have used 3D printers in the field because they have long recognized the potential of additive manufacturing. There are currently 3D printed components in vital aircraft engines, on tanks, submarines, and even on soldiers. Due to the lack of specialized Due to the lack of specialized tools needed, additive manufacturing expedites the design process. The creation of the necessary equipment for making prototypes and finished products can typically take months in traditional manufacturing. As a result, the technology can be used by the military industry to shorten the time needed for product development. The creation of the necessary equipment for making prototypes and finished products can typically take months in traditional manufacturing. As a result, the technology can be used by the military industry to shorten the time needed for product development.
Major factors driving growth of the Market
Defense personnel can now use 3D printing technology to produce custom equipment components and spares right on the job site, whenever they need them. On the front lines, they are no longer waiting for last-minute reinforcements. Military 3D printing has the capacity to deliver the ideal component at the ideal moment. Manufacturing specialized components and spare parts, on-site production, on-demand production on the battlefield, and emergency situations in difficult terrain can all benefit from this. The demand for short spare part production and demand for short turnaround time will drive the growth of the market.
Trends Influencing The Growth of the Market
Combat vehicles with monolithic hulls are not new, and it has been demonstrated that they can maintain greater durability even when they are lighter. However, typical machine tooling procedures are neither cost-effective nor well-suited for mass manufacturing of such huge, complex models. However, with the introduction of additive manufacturing and the start of the Jointless Hull Program, they might soon become commonplace for US combat vehicles. A technology for additive printing on this scale opens the door to the prospect of 3D-printed combat and support vehicles with improved impact protection while yet being lighter and more affordable.
Increasing defense spending will drive the market for new procurement activities. Procurement will also be driven by prevailing geo political conditions in Europe and the Asia Pacific. Cross border aggression will give way to increased procurement of a wide range of platform which will require frequent spare part changes. The majority of the growth will be from the Europe and Asia Pacific region. The low operating cost of 3D printing is one of its most appealing features. Rapid prototyping enables quicker turnaround times for any defensive equipment that needs adjustments, which lowers costs. In the defense industry, 3D printed parts are a vital byproduct of better supply chain management and lower warehousing costs. All of this may imply that soldiers stationed in remote places can also benefit from the usage of 3D printing.
Space technology expert X-Bow Systems has successfully launched its Bolt rocket propelled by additive produced solid propellants. The launch vehicle, which was used to transport a test payload for long-term partner Los Alamos National Lab, was launched as part of the “XL-2” mission (LANL). Ballesta 3D-printed rocket engines, which power the Bolt, use propellant grains with adaptable shapes that may be designed to match the needs of a particular application. Although LANL, the US Air Force Research Lab (AFRL), AFWERX, Sandia National Lab, and the Defense Research Projects Agency (DARPA) have already awarded X-Bow significant contracts, XL-2 is the first flight of its 3D printed rocket and propellant. As a result, the company will now analyze the mission data and get ready for more testing.
A 3D printer has been installed on one of the biggest warships in the U.S. Navy, enabling the crew to quickly produce drone replacement parts. The business anticipates using additive manufacturing technology to save time and money while lowering the need to stock spare parts, particularly when a ship is at sea. It thinks that 3D printers might eventually be installed as standard equipment on all warships. One of the largest warships in the navy is the amphibious assault ship USS Essex. The ship, which is 831 feet long and weighs an astounding 40,000 tonnes when fully loaded, was built to transport Marines into battle.