US Marines Learn About the Benefits of 3D Printing

During a two-day course at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina, US Marines were introduced to 3D printing technology using the Invent3D printer.

The class was attended by aircraft mechanics, supply Marines and small-arms repair technicians, with the goal to eventually integrate 3D printers into various military occupational specialities. The Marines did not only learn how to assemble and use a 3D printer, but also applied problem solving techniques to create and print 3D designs using CAD software. Eventually, forward deployed units will be able to produce tools and parts themselves on site if shipping is not possible or would take a long time.

Justin Yates, assistant professor at Francis Marion University and one of the instructors who led the training, explained: “The goal of this training is to take advantage of some of the benefits of additive manufacturing or 3D printing. Jobs that are highly customized and need a specific tool, product or part that’s difficult to a find a commercial product for or it’s very cost prohibitive, I can sit and design it on the computer and print it out using the 3D printer.”

GySgt. Justin Horn, maintenance chief with 2nd Maintenance Battalion, adds: “The end state here is to hopefully integrate the 3D printers into our new mobile machine shops. So if the need arises to make a one off part, and there is a machinist in country, you’ll have the support. But I think the intent is to also have more widespread usage of the 3D printers.”