Col. Michael Bob Starr |
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RESPONSE
I don't think the question is if, but when 3-D printers will have a place in the AF. Before we can operationalize this new technology, however, there is still some significant work to be done. For example, engineers are still not quite sure exactly how 3-D manufactured parts will fail under prolonged stress. Will they fail like traditionally manufactured parts, or in completely new and unexpected ways? The Air Force Research Laboratory is using 3-D printers for prototypes, tooling and fixtures, design iteration and the production of some non-critical parts, and the Air Force Technical Applications Center is even using the printers to help monitor seismic activity. Others are also experimenting with this new technology. The US Navy will soon initiate a small-scale trial to use 3-D printers to produce non-critical parts on ships, and Great Britain has test flown a fighter aircraft with some 3-D manufactured components. Like you, I'm excited by the promise of this new technology and I look forward to the day when we can put 3-D printers in the hands of our innovative Airmen in the maintenance back shops. Thanks for your question, Joseph! |