PICATINNY ARSENAL, N.J. – The U.S. Army marked a significant advancement in additive manufacturing with the grand opening of the Additive Makerspace on March 19. This new facility will enable engineers from the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command (DEVCOM) Armaments Center to design, prototype, and produce parts, thereby enhancing the Army’s innovative capabilities in response to the evolving needs of modern warfare.<\/p>\n
Additive manufacturing, commonly known as 3D printing, involves creating three-dimensional objects layer by layer from digital designs. This technology allows for the use of a variety of materials, including plastics, metals, ceramics, and composites, facilitating complex and customized designs that traditional manufacturing cannot achieve as efficiently.<\/p>\n
The Additive Makerspace features over 50 3D printers equipped with advanced technologies that will allow the engineering team at the Armaments Center to increase their capacity for prototype design and production. Matthew Clemente, a mechanical engineer with the Analysis, Materials, and Prototyping Directorate (AMPD), emphasized the space’s role in fostering local projects and enhancing additive manufacturing capabilities within the community.<\/p>\n
AMPD’s mission is to support armaments technology through manufacturing, engineering analysis, prototyping, and reverse engineering. Thomas Fasano, Senior Scientific Technical Manager of AMPD, highlighted the importance of the new makerspace as a vital resource for driving speed and innovation to the battlefield.<\/p>\n
The launch of the Additive Makerspace is part of a broader military trend to leverage additive manufacturing technologies. Similar innovation labs have been opened at various Army and Department of Defense facilities, including the Maneuver Innovation Lab at Fort Moore and the Airborne Innovation Lab at Fort Bragg. These labs empower both civilians and Soldiers to transform their ideas into actionable solutions, cultivating a bottom-up innovation culture.<\/p>\n
By bringing these 3D printing capabilities closer to operational sites, the Army aims to reduce dependence on traditional supply chains and enhance readiness. The technology has already proven invaluable, allowing for the rapid prototyping of both simple and complex components, from basic plastic parts to crucial metal vehicle components.<\/p>\n