3D printing on the battlefield

Research shows 3D printing is possible on the battlefield.

A pilot program conducted by the US Military Academy West Point and the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USU) looked into the potential of 3D printing in desert deployment zones.

Program results displayed it was possible to 3D print and deploy medical devices to treat injured people on the battlefield.

Dr. Vincent Ho, principal investigator commented: “We believe this programme has the potential to reduce logistical challenges and costs for transporting medical supplies to austere environments, which could also be applied to our special operations forces in remote locations.”

Ho adds: “Instead of carrying tonnes of supplies, they could just print them using a, hopefully, more portable, light-weight version in the future that could fit in their pack.”