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The technology required to print parts for military equipment already exists. British defense company Babcock says it could assist Ukrainian defenders in their war against the invading Russian forces.
Industrial metal-based 3D printing machine. Image credit: Babcock International
Last month, the company marked the first time when its additive manufacturing equipment printed metal parts for armored vehicles from the British Army.
Tom Newman, CEO of the company’s land division, predicts that using the same principle soldiers could soon produce parts to fix their guns and tanks almost directly on the battlefield.
A specialized 3D printer is the only piece of gear necessary to conduct this type of custom manufacturing. The company is already developing portable units that could be used on the frontline.
Samples of 3D-printed metal parts. Image credit: Babcock International
Company’s CEO explained that technology works by stacking thin layers of steel in a required shape. According to him, this principle could solve major logistics issues.
“For almost anything you can hold in your hand or pick up, you would be able to print with a really fine level of detail. We’ve already produced parts that weigh up to 20kg and parts that are really complex shapes. There’s no reason you couldn’t use this technology to support many different kinds of armoured vehicles,” explained Tom Newman in his comment.
He also noted that Babcock’s technology could also assist Ukrainian soldiers. The company has been cooperating with the British Government to provide training and equipment to Ukrainian soldiers since the start of the invasion.
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