3D Printing for Military Construction

In News

• India’s defence infrastructure development agency MES (military engineering services), has built two houses in South-Western Air Command, Gandhinagar and Jaisalmer, tapping 3D rapid construction technology from the private sector.

Related information

• Chennai based startup Tvasta: These constructions are done in collaboration with the Chennai based startup Tvasta.
• Tvasta, a non-profit organization, was one of the first to successfully develop a one-storey 3D printed house that met protocols for traditional houses.
  • The startup has been working with state-owned Central Building Research Institute and Structural Engineering Research Centre for approvals to ensure that the 3D printed structures are safe to live in.
• The Indian armed forces are not the only defence organization to explore the use of 3D printed structures.
  • Last year, the US Army unveiled a 3D-printed 3,800 sqft barrack in Texas.

What is 3D printing or additive manufacturing?

• It uses computer-aided designing to make prototypes or working models of objects by laying down successive layers of materials such as plastic, resin, thermoplastic, metal, fiber or ceramic.
• With the help of software, the model to be printed is first developed by the computer, which then gives instructions to the 3D printer.

Significance of 3D printing in armed forces

• The use of 3D printers by the Indian military is, however, not confined to houses alone.
  • The 3D printed houses for the Indian Air Force (IAF) were deployed within 35 days, while traditional construction would have taken six months.
• It can be used to make bunkers and parking facilities for military vehicles in border areas where traditional construction is challenging due to harsh weather conditions and short supply of labour due to the threat from hostile neighbours.
• The quick turnaround time is a key driver for increasing interest in 3D printing technology.
• The construction of 3D-printed structures is also not labour-intensive.
  • While some parts are printed remotely and then assembled at the site, printers can be set up on-site to print and assemble if required.
• These structures also stand testament for the solidarity of the Indian Armed Forces in fostering home-grown technologies that are focused on indigenization of Defense technologies, as a part of Atmanirbhar Bharat.

Advantages of 3D printing

• It Is Affordable
  • 3D printing is a single-step manufacturing process, so it not only saves you the costs linked to using different manufacturing processes and machines but also valuable time.
  • 3D printers do not need constant supervision as they can perform specific tasks once they are set; thus, you do not need to be around at all times.
• Rapid Prototyping
  • You can cheaply and quickly create a new prototype with every design modification, unlike the expensive and lengthy prototype machining process.
• Sturdy and Lightweight Parts
  • 3D printing allows complex, organic shapes to be made that are much lighter than traditionally machined parts.
  • In the aerospace and automotive industry, this is a vital factor as the use of lightweight materials helps improve fuel efficiency.
• Environmentally Friendly
  • The use of 3D printing technology reduces the quantity of waste materials created during the production process.
• Improved Healthcare Facilities
  • 3D printing has revolutionized the medical sector as it is now possible to print human body organs such as hearts, kidneys, and livers.

 Disadvantages of 3D Printing

• Restricted Build Size
  • The chamber size integrated into 3D printers is usually relatively small, thereby restricting the part sizes that you can print. Therefore, any larger item needs to be printed separately and later assembled after its production.
• Job Losses in The Manufacturing Sector
  • The use of 3D printing allows you to create prototypes and product designs within a few hours with one simple step.
  • Most of the steps followed in subtractive manufacturing are eradicated, and this helps save on the cost of labor as fewer people need to be hired to complete the manufacturing process.
• Not Very User-Friendly
  • It is a new technology; there is often an element of trial and error required when creating parts on a 3D printer.
• Limited Materials
  • The materials needed during the manufacturing process are limited, with some still being developed.
• 3D Printing Machines are Expensive
  • The materials and equipment used in 3D printing are costly because the initial capital required to embark on using 3D printing technology is prohibitively expensive.
• Production of Dangerous Items
  • Creating explosives, guns, knives as well as other harmful weaponry is theoretically more accessible because of 3D printing technology.
  • This is because it gives people access to a method of manufacturing items in their own homes that were previously impossible.

Way Forward

• Inclusion in all the sectors: To get ahead in the additive manufacturing or 3D printing space, India must adopt it in all sectors, including in defence and public sectors.
• An apex body which has subject matter experts and leaders from local and global industries could be established to lead the mission.
• The national strategy should address the need for skilled manpower in various job profiles including operators, engineers, R&D personnel, technology broking and management.
• The government’s financial support and private funding would be needed to promote the domestic AM ecosystem and supply chains.

Source: LM