This seamless hatch for a Bradley Fighting Vehicle was built using the same technology that will be used by the world's largest metal 3D printer which is expected to be moved to the Rock Island Arsenal next spring. CREDIT ED TIBBETTS
It will probably be another six months before the world’s largest metal 3D printer is moved to the Rock Island Arsenal, but military and public and private-sector officials gathered at the base on Monday to commemorate the project. U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin and U.S. Rep. Cheri Bustos, both Illinois Democrats, said the endeavor will benefit […]
It will probably be another six months before the world’s largest metal 3D printer is moved to the Rock Island Arsenal, but military and public and private-sector officials gathered at the base on Monday to commemorate the project.U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin and U.S. Rep. Cheri Bustos, both Illinois Democrats, said the endeavor will benefit not only soldiers in the field but also the Arsenal, which is one of the largest employers in the Quad-Cities.Also on hand for the event was Maj. Gen. Darren Werner, commanding officer of the Tank-automotive and Armaments Command, which oversees the part of the Arsenal where the printer will be located, the Joint Manufacturing and Technology Center (JMTC).Led by ASTRO America, the prime contractor, construction of the mammoth printer will provide the capability to produce jointless hulls for ground vehicles and other large parts, using additive manufacturing technology. The printer, at 30 feet long, 20 feet wide and 12 feet high, is being built in Rockford.Additive manufacturing, or 3D printing as it’s also called, is an emerging technology in the private and public sector that, advocates say, will have big payoffs in terms of cost and productivity. Additive manufacturing essentially builds parts by adding layer after layer of material.“It’s not only an impressive project, but it’s the beginning of an impressive commitment by the Rock Island Arsenal to demonstrate to the military forces … all around the United States and around the world – and to demonstrate to the private sector – that we’re on our game,” Mr. Durbin told reporters.The ability to construct parts without seams will make military vehicles better protected in the field added Ms. Bustos, whose 17th Congressional District includes the Rock Island Arsenal. “It’s safer for the men and women in uniform,” she said.The Arsenal is the Army’s center for additive and advanced manufacturing, and it already has several machines located there that employ the technology. The new 3D printer will be a significant new addition.Ms. Bustos and Ms. Durbin have been instrumental in securing funds for a range of Arsenal initiatives, including its efforts in advanced and additive manufacturing.The two lawmakers met with military officials, as well as public and private sector stakeholders and some community leaders Monday at the building where the printer will be located. The meeting was closed to the news media, but afterward they met with reporters and answered questions.Maj. Gen. Werner also took questions. He told reporters that specific production goals will be established once the printer is in place and testing is done.“As we build out this machine and we start to build capability, we’ll be able to better recognize how much production we can get from it,” he said.Officials had expected the printer would be delivered to the Arsenal this fall, but delays have pushed that back about six months. Still, Maj. Gen. Werner said that Monday was a significant day because it “initiated the operation to establish the jointless hull manufacturing capability here at JMTC.”The general also noted engineers are working to determine what types of parts could be built using the printer. He pointed to a seamless hatch for a Bradley combat vehicle. The hatch was on display at the Arsenal on Monday and was built using the same technology as the 3D printer employs. The original Bradley hatch was welded together.The ability to use the large printer to make an array of products will certainly increase its value, and it could lead to more projects coming to the Arsenal.
