British Army uses 3D printer to print spare parts for vehicles in the field
UK Army uses 3D printer in the field for the first time during NATO exercises to print vehicle parts
This was reported by espreso.tv
It is noted that the British military used a 3D printer to manufacture spare parts for vehicles, as well as to print "vital modifications to military equipment" during the largest deployment of NATO forces in Europe in the last decade — the Steadfast Defender exercise.
The British Ministry of Defense says that they are the first in the world to use this technology to directly support large-scale NATO exercises. They explained that the advantages of both metal and plastic mobile printers include easy transportation. They can also be used to produce, for example, metal parts from a truck body in less than an hour. Cold metal 3D printing can thus eliminate the need to send parts in for repair, saving transportation costs and time.
"This world-leading technology is another great example of Britain being at the forefront of defense innovation, providing the armed forces with a faster way to respond flexibly in the field. The recent increase in defense spending is crucial to ensuring our people have the right equipment at the right time. Examples like these demonstrate that we are leading the way in developing new technologies that empower our armed forces and give them what they need to defend our country", said Defense Secretary Grant Shapps.
