Abstract
Additive manufacturing (AM) is recognized as a valuable method for producing functional parts in many global industries. It has been increasingly applied even in military manufacturing companies due to its specific characteristics. What started as a simple technique several decades ago, mostly used for rapid prototyping, now takes an important place in military industry when it comes to producing completely functional parts and mechanisms for weapon and different types of equipment. Understanding of different 3D printing methods and compatible materials allows engineers to create standard parts with reduced manufacturing costs and parts that are difficult to machine. One of the crucial benefits of 3D printing application in military industry is flexibility in manufacturing process, especially in terms of production site mobility. That literally means that it is now possible for soldiers to create new parts on 3D printers directly in battlefield, just by receiving right files for 3D printing from engineers. This paper reviews advances in AM application for military industry through different examples of 3D printed weapon and military equipment. Relevant 3D printing technologies are described, along with the discussion of potential problems in this area of manufacturing and possible solutions. The perspective of this method was analyzed based on current challenges, compatibility with experimental techniques and numerical methods, along with some suggestions for modernization and new areas of military application.
Access this chapter
Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout
Purchases are for personal use only
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Vaidya, S., Ambad, P., Bhosle, S.: Industry 4.0 – a glimpse. Procedia Manuf. 20, 233–238 (2018)
Praveena, B.A., Lokesh, N., Buradi, A., Santhosh, N., Praveena, B.L., Vignesh, R.: A comprehensive review of emerging additive manufacturing (3D printing technology): methods, materials, applications, challenges, trends and future potential. Mater. Today: Proc. 52(part 3), 1309–1313 (2022)
Joel, C.N., Raeisi, S., Tovar, A.: Review of additive manufacturing technologies and applications in the aerospace industry. In: Additive Manufacturing for the Aerospace Industry, pp. 7–31. Elsevier (2019)
Wong, K.V., Hernandez, A.: A review of additive manufacturing. ISRN Mech. Eng. (2012)
Sathish, K., et al.: A comparative study on subtractive manufacturing and additive manufacturing. Adv. Mater. Sci. Eng. 2022, 1–8 (2022)
Magnien, J., Cosemans, P., Nutal, N., Kairet, T.: Current surface issues in additive manufacturing. Plasma Process. Polym. (2020)
Singh, A., Singh, H.: Metal additive manufacturing: from history to applications. In: Khan, M.A., Jappes, J.T.W. (eds.) Innovations in Additive Manufacturing. Springer Tracts in Additive Manufacturing. Springer, Cham (2022)
Linke, R.: Additive manufacturing, explained. https://mitsloan.mit.edu/ideas-made-to-matter/additive-manufacturing-explained (2017). Last accessed 22 Apr 2023
Ghimire, T., Joshi, A., Sen, S., Kapruan, C., Chadha, U., Kumaran, S.S.: Blockchain in additive manufacturing processes: recent trends & its future possibilities. Mater. Today: Proc. 50(part 5), 2170–2180 (2022)
Bevrnja, M., Imamović, Z., Bisić, M.: Additive manufacturing application for the inclusion of the vision impaired population in public transport. In: Proceedings of the 33rd DAAAM International Symposium, pp. 0519–0525. DAAAM International, Vienna, Austria (2022)
Kechagias, J., Chaidas, D.: Fused filament fabrication parameter adjustments for sustainable 3D printing. Mater. Manuf. Processes 38(8), 933–940 (2023)
Nasir, M.H.M., Taha, M.M., Razali, N., Ilyas, R.A., Knight, V.F., Norrrahim, M.N.F.: Effect of chemical treatment of sugar palm fibre on rheological and thermal properties of the PLA composites filament for FDM 3D printing. Materials 15, 8082 (2022)
Wang, J., Wang, M., Xu, C., Han, Y., Qin, X., Zhang, L.: Tailored dynamic viscoelasticity of polyurethanes based on different diols. Polymers 15, 2623 (2023)
Jung, Y.S., Lee, S., Park, J., Shin, E.J.: Synthesis of novel shape memory thermoplastic polyurethanes (SMTPUs) from bio-based materials for application in 3D/4D printing filaments. Materials (Basel, Switzerland) 16(3), 1072 (2023)
Pandžić, A., Hodžić, D.: Tensile mechanical properties comparation of PETG, ASA and PLA-Strongman FDM 3D printed materials with and without infill structure. In: Proceedings of the 33rd DAAAM International Symposium, pp. 0221–0230. DAAAM International, Vienna (2022)
Doshi, M., Mahale, A., Kumar, S.S., Deshmukh, S.: Printing parameters and materials affecting mechanical properties of FDM 3D printed parts: perspective and prospects. Mater. Today: Proc. 50(part 5), 2269–2275 (2022)
Tripathy, C.R., Sharma, R.K., Rattan, V.K.: Effect of printing parameters on the mechanical behaviour of the thermoplastic polymer processed by FDM technique: a research review. Adv. Prod. Eng. Manag. 17(3), 279–294 (2022)
Patel, R., Desai, C., Kushwah, S., Mangrola, M.H.: A review article on FDM process parameters in 3D printing for composite materials. Mater. Today: Proc. 60(part 3), 2162–2166 (2022)
Arrigo, R., Frache, A.: FDM printability of PLA based-materials: the key role of the rheological behavior. Polymers 14, 1754 (2022)
Wang, S., et al.: A review of 3D printing technology in pharmaceutics: technology and applications, now and future. Pharmaceutics 15, 416 (2023)
Pariskar, A., Sharma, K.P., Murty, U.S., Benerjee, S.: Effect of tatrazine as photoabsorber for improved printing resolution of 3D printed “ghost tablets”: non-erodible inert matrices. J. Pharm. Sci. 112(4), 1020–1031 (2023)
Pandžić, A.: Influence of layer height, build orientation and post curing on tensile mechanical properties of SLA 3D printed material. In: Proceedings of the 32nd DAAAM International Symposium, pp. 0200–0208. DAAAM International, Vienna (2021)
Kumar, R.: Functionalities of Zn0 reinforced thermoplastics composite materials: a state of the art review. Mater. Today: Proc. 51(part 1), 972–976 (2022)
Bisić, M., Pandžić, A.: Experimental analysis and comparation of mechanical properties of standard grey resins, with and without post-curing, and biocompatible SLA printed materials. In: Mitrovic, N., Mladenovic, G., Mitrovic, A. (eds.) Experimental Research and Numerical Simulation in Applied Sciences. CNNTech 2022. Lecture Notes in Networks and Systems, vol. 564. Springer, Cham (2023)
Zaharin, H.A., Rani, A.M.A., Ginta, T.L., Azam, F.: Additive manufacturing technology for biomedical components: a review. IOP Conf. Ser.: Mater. Sci. Eng. 328 (2017)
Ans, R., Waqas, A., Khalid, M.Y., Koc, M.: Vat photopolymerization of polymers and polymer composites: processes and applications. Addit. Manuf. 47 (2021)
Syrlybayev, D., Zharylkassyn, B., Seisekulova, A., Akhmetov, M., Perveen, A., Talamona, D.: Optimisation of strength properties of FDM printed parts—a critical review. Polymers 13, 1587 (2021)
Jabil homepage. https://www.jabil.com/blog/3d-printing-in-aerospace-and-defense-manufacturing.html. Last accessed 26 May 2023
Lopez-Vivero, M., et al.: Anti-biofilm multi drug-loaded 3D printed hearing aids. Mater. Sci. Eng.: C 119 (2021)
Mitsloan homepage. https://mitsloan.mit.edu/ideas-made-to-matter/additive-manufacturing-explained. Last accessed 27 May 2023
Pandžić, A., Hodžić, D., Kadrić, E.: Experimental investigation on influence of infill density on tensile mechanical properties of different FDM 3D printed materials. TEM J. 10(3), 1195–1201 (2021)
Boer, D., Lambrechts, W., Krikke, H.: Additive manufacturing in military and humanitarian missions: advantages and challenges in the spare parts supply chain. J. Clean. Prod. 257 (2021)
De la Torre, N., Espinosa, M.M., Domínguez, M.: Rapid prototyping in humanitarian aid to manufacture last mile vehicles spare parts: an implementation plan. Hum. Factors Ergon. Manuf. Serv. Ind. 26(5) (2016)
Durao, L.F.C.S., Christ, A., Zancul, E., Anderl, R., Schützer, K.: Additive manufacturing scenarios for distributed production of spare parts. Int. J. Adv. Manuf. Technol. 1e12 (2017)
Kovacs, G., Tatham, P.H.: Responding to disruptions in the supply network—from dormant to action. J. Bus. Logist. 30(2), 215e229 (2009)
Yoho, K.D., Rietjens, S., Tatham, P.: Defence logistics: an important research field in need of Researchers. Int. J. Phys. Distrib. Logist. Manag. 43(2), 80e96 (2013)
Kellens, K., Mertens, R., Paraskevas, D., Dewulf, W., Duflou, J.R.: Environmental impact of additive manufacturing processes: does AM contribute to a more sustainable way of part manufacturing? Procedia CIRP 61(3), 582e587 (2017)
Peres, F., Noyes, D.: Envisioning e-logistics developments: making spare parts in situ and on demand. State of the art and guidelines for future developments. Comput. Ind. 57(6), 490e503 (2006)
Conner, B.P.: Paradigm shift. Def. AT&L 35e37 (2016)
Ford, S., Despeisse, M.: Additive manufacturing and sustainability: an exploratory study of the advantages and challenges. J. Clean. Prod. 137 (2016)
Antill, P., Smith, J.: The British Army in transition: from army 2020 to the strike brigades and the logistics of future operations. RUSI J. 162(3), 50e58 (2017)
Westerweel, B., Basten, R.J.I., van Houtum, G.J.: Traditional or additive manufacturing? Assessing component design options through lifecycle cost analysis. In: Beta Working Paper Series, vol. 519 (2016)
Liu, P., Huang, S.H., Mokasdar, A., Zhou, H., Hou, L.: The impact of additive manufacturing in the aircraft spare parts supply chain: supply chain operation reference (scor) model based analysis. Prod. Plann. Contr. 25 (2014)
Holmstreom, J., Partanen, J., Tuomi, J., Walter, M.: Rapid manufacturing in the spare parts supply chain: alternative approaches to capacity deployment. J. Manuf. Technol. Manag. 21(6), 687e697 (2010)
Atlason, R.S., Gerstlberger, W.: Which factors characterize sustainable behavior of defense forces? J. Clean. Prod. 164, 230e241 (2017)
Mohr, S., Khan, O.: 3D printing and its disruptive impacts on supply chains of the future. Technol. Innov. Manag. Rev. 5(11), 20e24 (2015)
Lau, G.: Expanding additive manufacturing beyond the sustainment framework to evolve Canadian Special Operations Force Command’s competitive advantage. JSCP 48, Service Paper, Canada (2022)
Mattox, J.: Additive manufacturing and its implications for military ethics. J. Mil. Ethics 12(3), 225 (2013)
Ford, S.L.N.: Additive manufacturing technology: potential implications for U.S. manufacturing competitiveness. U.S. Int. Trade Comm., J. Int. Commer. Econ. (2014)
Saunders, L.: Implications of additive manufacturing deployed at the tactical edge. The Defense Acquisition University (2015)
Bayley, C., Kopac, M.: The implications of additive manufacturing on Canadian Armed Forces operational functions. Can. Mil. J. 18(3) (2018)
Meisel, N.A., Williams, C.B., Ellis, K.P., Taylor, D.: Decision support for additive manufacturing deployment in remote or austere environments. J. Manuf. Technol. Manag. 27(7), 889 (2016)
Department of National Defence: Beyond the Horizon – A Strategy for Canada’s Special Operations Forces in an Evolving Security Environment, p. 28 (2020)
Pavlovich, S.: 3D print applications of illicit firearms manufacture: a review. College of Science, Health, Engineering and Education, Murdoch University (2023)
All3Dp homepage. https://all3dp.com/1/3d-printed-gun-firearm-weapon-parts/. Last accessed 29 May 2023
Honsberger, H., et al.: How to recognise the traces left on a crime scene by a 3D-printed liberator? Part 2. Elements of ammunition, marks on the weapons and polymer fragments. Forensic Sci. Int. 295, 137–144 (2019)
Bisić, M., Razić, F., Pandžić, A., Bevrnja, M.: Penetration testing of 3D printed projectiles made of various types of polymers. J. Mech. Sci. Technol. 37(9) (2023)
Fabbaloo homepage. https://www.fabbaloo.com/news/drone-wars-and-3d-printing. Last accessed 30 May 2023
Zhou, X., Mao, Y., Zheng, D.: 3D printing of RDX-based aluminized high explosives with gradient structure, significantly altering the critical dimensions. J. Mater. Sci. (2021)
Pepekin, V.I., Gubin, S.A.: Propellant performance of organic explosives and their energy output and detonation velocity limits. Combust. Explos. Shock Waves 43, 84–95 (2007)
Dolman, B., Hart, A., Johnston, I., Prior, C.: Advanced munitions: 3D printed firepower. Defence Science and Technology Group, Edinburgh
Chandru, R.A., Balasubramanian, N., Oomen, C., Raghunadandan, B.N.: Additive manufacturing of solid rocket propellant grains. J. Propuls. Power (2018)
Hudryashova, O., Lerner, M., Vorozhtsov, A., Sokolov, S., Promakhov, V.: Review of the problems of additive manufacturing of nanostructured high-energy materials. Materials (2021)
Lifeboat homepage. https://lifeboat.com/blog/2022/02/3d-printed-nanomaterial-could-replace-kevlar-and-steel-for-bulletproof-armor. Last accessed 30 May 2023
Techradar homepage. https://www.techradar.com/news/3d-printers-have-made-bulletproof-cubes-vests-and-tank-armor-next. Last accessed 30 May 2023
Forbes homepage. https://www.forbes.com/sites/carolynschwaar/2022/02/27/us-military-to-3d-print-its-way-out-of-supply-chain-woes/?sh=5772ff6f275d. Last accessed 30 May 2023
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Editor information
Editors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
Copyright information
© 2024 The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG
About this paper
Cite this paper
Bisić, M., Pandžić, A. (2024). Advances in Additive Manufacturing Application in Military Industry. In: Mitrovic, N., Mladenovic, G., Mitrovic, A. (eds) New Trends in Engineering Research. CNNTech 2023. Lecture Notes in Networks and Systems, vol 792. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-46432-4_14
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-46432-4_14
Published:
Publisher Name: Springer, Cham
Print ISBN: 978-3-031-46431-7
Online ISBN: 978-3-031-46432-4
eBook Packages: Intelligent Technologies and RoboticsIntelligent Technologies and Robotics (R0)