Mar 3, 2018 | By Benedict
Defence Science and Technology (DST) Group, a public-funded Australian R&D organization specializing in energetics materials, is researching the viability of 3D printed explosives, propellants, and pyrotechnics. The research could lead to the production of “advanced weapons systems.”
As a rule of thumb, your 3D prints shouldn’t explode when they leave the print bed. If they do, seek assistance from your printer and material suppliers.
Occasionally, however, 3D printing can be used to make things that should explode, such explosives, propellant, and pyrotechnics. A new joint research effort could be about to make big advances in this area.
Defence Science and Technology (DST) Group, an Australian research organization that is part of the country’s Department of Defence, has joined forces with Victoria-based defense research company DefendTex, the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology, Flinders University, and Cranfield University in the UK to explore the 3D printing of explosive materials.
Defence Industry Minister Christopher Pyne announced the news today, and thinks the research efforts could have huge benefits for the military, making improved systems while cutting costs and improving logistics.
“This research could lead to the production of advanced weapons systems, which can be tailored for unique performance and purpose,” Pyne said. “It should also allow broader access and more efficient and environmentally friendly manufacturing opportunities to Australian industry, providing significant cost savings and competitive advantage for Defence and industries such as mining construction.”
A$2.6 million ($2 million) will be put into the 3D printing research over the course of two years, thanks to the Co-operative Research Centre (CRC) Program.
Pyne added that the outcomes of the 3D printing research could have “far-reaching civilian and Defence applications and contribute to the development of critical expertise in energetic manufacturing techniques in Australian industry.”
Posted in 3D Printing Application
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