OMNI 3D Printers for Defence

Omni 3D printing technology offers a revolutionary approach to battlefield critical situations, empowering military forces with the ability to produce essential parts on-demand. This eliminates the need to rely on external suppliers, storage, logistics, and minimises the impact of disrupted supply chains. This can be quickly achieved by setting up with forward-deployed production units equipped with 3D printers and a digital library of critical parts.

The benefits of 3D Printing in the Defence Industry

The battlefield is a constantly evolving environment, requiring military forces to be highly adaptable and able to respond quickly to unexpected challenges and disruptions in logistics. In today’s global climate, traditional supply chains are increasingly strained by geopolitical complexities, making it difficult to ensure a consistent supply of critical parts and equipment across NATO.

The Challenge

Modern military forces rely on a wide range of equipment from various suppliers, depending on complex and often fragile supply chains. These networks can be severely disrupted by geopolitical tensions, natural disasters, or unexpected events, delaying critical parts and compromising operational readiness.

Historically, the swift repair of battle-damaged equipment has been vital in determining conflict outcomes. Whether it’s aircraft, tanks, or smaller weapon systems, rapid repairs are essential.

Challenges like limited storage space, minimum order quantities, long lead times, and complex logistics further hinder readiness, putting mission success and personnel safety at risk. Successful military operations demand rapid response and self-sufficiency, and that’s when 3D printing comes along.

The Solution

3D printing technology offers an advantage in battlefield scenarios, enabling military forces to produce essential parts on-demand. This capability reduces reliance on external suppliers, storage, and logistics, while minimising the impact of supply chain disruptions.

By deploying forward-operating production units equipped with 3D printers and a digital library of critical parts, damaged or malfunctioning components can be quickly scanned and printed on-site. This ensures rapid repairs, reduces downtime, and provides a significant tactical advantage, allowing forces to maintain operational readiness and respond swiftly to evolving situations.

How OMNI 3D solutions can help?

Reliability and performance are crucial in defence, and 3D printing has become a transformative technology. The successful integration of 3D printing into established manufacturing processes depends on several key factors, with chamber size and temperature control being especially critical.

Hardware Solutions

Materials Solutions

In 3D printing for defence applications, material selection is critical. Choosing the right filament is essential for producing parts that meet the stringent requirements of military operations and ensure long-lasting performance. The 3D printers proposed by OMNI 3D have an enclosed and heated chambers which will allow you to have a large selection of different materials possibility for your parts.

The best material for your defence application depends on several factors:

• Part Requirements: Assess the necessary mechanical properties, temperature resistance, and chemical resistance.
• Printing Conditions: Ensure the material is compatible with your 3D printer’s settings and capabilities.
• Cost: Consider the cost-effectiveness of various materials and their impact on overall production expenses.

Tactical Fabrication Unit (TFU20)

Omni3D’s has developed a special 3D printing lab called TFU20. This unit is a robust, portable solution designed for difficult environments. This all-in-one system includes everything needed for a complete manufacturing setup, featuring Omni3D’s large-format industrial 3D printers, an open-source material platform, and a material drying system. The TFU20 lab enables military forces to print critical parts and essential tools on demand directly in the field. Its compact design and user-friendly operation allow for rapid deployment and operational flexibility, ensuring self-sufficiency wherever it’s needed.

Defence Applications via OMNI 3D Printers

Advanced Drone Applications

Military forces extensively use 3D printing to manufacture Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), which play a critical strategic role in modern warfare. With advanced sensors, UAVs offer essential intelligence and reconnaissance capabilities. 3D printing facilitates the rapid customisation of UAV parts, enabling the creation of mission-specific drones optimised for tasks such as reconnaissance, bomb delivery, or small-scale cargo transport. It also allows for the quick replacement of damaged components in the field, minimising downtime and ensuring the UAV fleet remains fully operational.

BMP-1 Bearing

Omni 3D’s large-format 3D printing technology offers a solution. Our robust material extrusion systems are ideal for producing high-strength, functional parts for BMP-1 tanks. With a digital library of BMP-1 parts and a deployable Omni3D printer, NATO forces can address these challenges effectively. On-demand 3D printing reduces reliance on external suppliers and minimises downtime, ensuring that BMP-1 vehicles remain operational and ready for action.

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Omni 3D Printer Range