In today’s rapidly shifting global environment, supply chain resilience is mission-critical. The U.S. defense industry — from the Navy and Marines to the Army and Air Force — is embracing 3D printing in defense applications to reduce downtime, accelerate innovation, and improve battlefield readiness.
By leveraging additive manufacturing for defense, warfighters can fabricate strong, lightweight parts on demand — anytime, anywhere. From shipboard 3D printing programs to airbase innovation labs, 3D printing technology empowers military personnel to print mission-critical parts in hours, rather than waiting weeks or months for traditional supply chains.
Army 3D Printing: Replacing Legacy Parts at Scale
At Fort Irwin, Army regiments use Continuous Fiber Reinforcement (CFR) technology to print everything from personal protective equipment (PPE) to vehicle components.
One notable success: a discontinued hatch plug, essential for night operations, previously cost $10,000 and had a 3-month lead time. With Markforged Onyx and 17-4PH stainless steel, the Army reproduced the part for less than $1,000, saving over $244,000 while ensuring operational readiness.
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