3D-PRINTING IMPACTS ON SYSTEMS ENGINEERING IN DEFENSE INDUSTRY

Today’s combat vehicle designs are largely constrained by traditional manufacturing processes, such as machining, welding, casting, and forging. Recent advancements in 3D-Printing technology offer tremendous potential to provide economical, optimized components by eliminating fundamental process limitations. The ability to re-design suitable components for 3D-printing has potential to significantly reduce cost, weight, and lead-time in a variety of Defense & Aerospace applications. 3D-printing will not completely replace traditional processes, but instead represents a new tool in our toolbox - from both a design and a manufacturing standpoint.