5548 Craitor Expeditionary 3D Printer

Problem

The United States Department of Defense (DoD) is on a mission to become a more agile and well-distributed force equipped to tackle peer-level engagements. To keep up with the demands of the modern battlefield they need a digital supply system able to augment the traditional supply system. While commercial off-the-shelf 3D printers exist, such printers are limited to desktop or laboratory use and lack the ruggedization required for reliable expeditionary use in distributed operations. Testing to MIL-STD-810G and extreme weather demonstrations are necessary to develop a reliable expeditionary 3D printer.

Objective

This project will optimize the design of Craitor’s 3D printer based on testing to the requirements of MIL-STD-810G and demonstrate its performance in cold weather and high-temperature and high-humidity climates.

Technical Approach

Craitor will perform a preliminary optimization on specific 3D printer subcomponents such as power control boards, coatings, and external shells to improve performance against planned MIL-STD-810G testing. The Craitor 3D printer will undergo testing at an independent laboratory against the requirements of MIL-STD-810G for shock, vibration, heat, cold, and humidity leading to another iteration of design optimization. Craitor will deploy 3D printers to United States military forces stationed in Okinawa, Japan, for high temperature and high humidity testing and to solicit end-user feedback. On-site testing and demonstration will also occur at the Army’s Engineer Research and Development Center’s Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory.

Project Participants

Project Principal

Other Project Participants

• Office of the Secretary of Defense
• Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL)

Public Participants

• U.S. Department of Defense