The Rock Island Arsenal recently adopted 3D printing technology to improve military equipment production. This modification not only allows the Arsenal to produce cheap, strong, and durable parts for the Army but also creates career opportunities for students.
3D printing allows for the fabrication of complex parts, such as hinges that would otherwise take weeks to manufacture. By utilizing these new technologies, such as metal printing, the Arsenal can produce these components in a matter of hours. “When I heard about the production time difference, I was amazed,” explained junior Vivek Patel, who recently visited the Arsenal to learn about the technology. “I was shown a metal part that would usually take 2 days to manufacture, get printed in under 1 hour. The part looked identical to the original too!” emphasized Patel.
The Arsenal also installed the Jointless Hull Printer, the world’s largest metal 3D printer to further improve the production process. Paired with the printer is an automated scanning machine that makes Computer-Aided Design a breeze.
Automating a robotic arm that uses a dot projection sensor, scans an entire part in under 30 minutes, a tedious process that usually takes five hours for a human to do by hand. After scanning, the Jointless Hull Printer can print parts or assemblies up to 30 ft long, 20 ft wide, and 12 ft high.
Parts printed by this monstrous machine range from tank hulls to enormous gun barrels. “Seeing the Jointless Hull Printer up close was mind-blowing,” stated senior Ameya Taralkar after visiting the Arsenal for a robotics trip. “The sheer size of it and the parts it can produce is a game changer for not only the military but also the manufacturing industry!” exclaimed Taralkar.
In addition to military improvements, the 3D printing sector at the Arsenal brings career opportunities to local high school students. Recent graduates can now work locally in this sector, gaining hands-on experience with this new technology while receiving governmental military benefits like healthcare and pensions. “It’s an incredible opportunity for students like me to get into a new technology field with long-term security,” added Patel.
As the 3D printing sector continues to grow and evolve, Rock Island Arsenal will be sure to position itself as a leader in the sector and military innovation while securing the future of its workforce.
