U.S. Army: Ballistic plates from a 3D printer

Currently, the Army Research Laboratory (ARL) is working on a method to achieve 3D printing with ceramic materials. Ceramics are more complex to process than plastic or metal, but they are one of the most important components for protection plates.

In the future, the ability to manufacture protection plates through 3D printing brings many advantages. Protection plates can be tailored to soldiers, ensuring the right size is produced. This eliminates the surplus of sizes that are not needed, and on the other hand, sizes that are frequently needed can be produced in sufficient quantities. Also, production can ideally be shifted. This and more ultimately saves a lot of costs. If you would like to learn more about this topic, you can read a report by Task & Purpose HERE.

Army Research Laboratory (ARL) online: www.arl.army.mil