What would you do with a 3D printer?

2014-06-02T23:34:31-04:00

Who else is interested in the benefits of 3D printing in the military? The USS Essex has recently been provided a 3D printer and sailors have been encouraged to come up with uses for it. The CNO's Rapid Innovation Cell has been pushing to get this technology in people's hands while it is still young so we'll all be proficient in 10+ years as the technology matures.
What would you make with a 3D printer?

Response by Col Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 3 at 2014 12:08 AM

2014-06-03T00:08:47-04:00

PO1 Anderson, great topic! This technology has come a long way in recent years, I can certainly see numerous military applications for this today, as well as in the future. I think it was a good call by the Navy to test this at sea, as I'm sure there's a thousand and one uses for a 3D printer, especially where spare parts are hard to come by. Again, great post thanks for hosting!

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made Jun 3 at 2014 1:26 AM

2014-06-03T01:26:24-04:00

Maybe make a new tip for my thumb. LOL! No I really have no idea but I can't wait for my first time playing with that technology.

Response by CPT Brandon Christensen made Jun 3 at 2014 11:52 AM

2014-06-03T11:52:35-04:00

When I worked at Microsoft in the Mall of America, I had the privilege of messing around with one and seeing what I could come up with. I do have to say, its a nice idea and everyone should have one.

For me, I personally would make key leaders their own sand table kit. Every branch could benefit from having a standard sand table kit. Realistic as possible will help emphasize where things are on the battlefield and when you brief the OPORD to your team, they will have a better picture than using rocks and twigs, which there is nothing wrong with.

Response by SSG Derrick Antrom made Jun 3 at 2014 2:20 PM

2014-06-03T14:20:13-04:00

I would make me a few BN's of combat troops New up to date Army Men

Response by Maj Walter Kilar made Jun 3 at 2014 5:30 PM

2014-06-03T17:30:25-04:00

I would print more 3-D printers, of course!

Response by SSG (ret) William Martin made Jun 3 at 2014 11:58 PM

2014-06-03T23:58:53-04:00

I think the 3d printer will be the new "Napster" of basically stuff. Imagine, you go to a friend house and you see something you like. You scan it, go home, up load it to your 3d printer and bam, you have what you want and you did not have to pay for it. Maybe its more complex than that.

Response by LCpl Steve Wininger made Jun 4 at 2014 12:10 AM

2014-06-04T00:10:55-04:00

If it were possible, a faithful wife (Live).

Response by MSG Wade Huffman made Jun 4 at 2014 7:51 AM

2014-06-04T07:51:38-04:00

Too many options to name just one.. or even a few! I could see myself becoming almost a hermit just playing with it! Would definitely be something uber-cool to own!

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 4 at 2014 12:55 PM

2014-06-04T12:55:44-04:00

I would use this to fabricate a few hand guns.

Response by CWO4 Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 4 at 2014 3:09 PM

2014-06-04T15:09:41-04:00

Response by PO2 Paul Burrell made Jun 4 at 2014 9:05 PM

2014-06-04T21:05:05-04:00

I have been studying #D printing and am getting ready to buy one. The ones that are currently available to the general public at "household" costs only print plastic. I would use one to make replacement parts for everyday items that tend to break.