3D Printing – Revolutionizing Military Operations

Description of the Event
On December 8, 2022, the “3D Printing – Revolutionizing Military Operations” workshop took place at the University of Defence in Brno. The main goal was to discuss how the industry and academia can assist the Czech Armed Forces in introducing and effectively using 3D printing. Additive manufacturing (AM) technology proved its potential during the COVID-19 pandemic and is now becoming an increasingly important element of both modern military and civilian sectors. In line with its mission, the DefSec Innovation Hub brought together experts from research, defense, and industry, offering a space to share experiences, case studies, and specific projects.

Participants

  • University of Defence (Jakub Hnidka, Tomáš Kolenský): Experience with unmanned aerial vehicles and the application of 3D printing in military settings.
  • 3Dwiser (Tomáš Vít): Long-standing advocacy of 3D technologies, consulting services, and showcasing various methods from thermoplastics to metals.
  • Fillamentum (Josef Doleček): Top-tier polymer materials, FFF (FDM) methods, and their use in demanding operational conditions.
  • 3Dees Industries (Daniel Adam): 3D printing applications in industry and the armed forces, including real conflict scenarios.
  • MCAE Systems (Jan Drápela): Use of 3D printing in the defense industry—from prototyping to reverse engineering.
  • Elvira/ABC3D (Pavel Sequens): Advantages and limitations of available printing technologies, plus combining 3D scanning with additive manufacturing.
  • Drony SIT (Matouš Bolek): Utilizing 3D printing within the Integrated Rescue System (IZS) and designing drones for specialized purposes.
  • VTÚVM (the Military Technical Institute for Weapons and Ammunition) – Radomír Zlámal: Projects for the Czech Armed Forces and the Military Police, involving rapid production of functional parts and cost reduction.
  • RTI at the University of West Bohemia (Miroslav Zetek, Zdeněk Chval): Advanced research on metallic materials and deployment of 3D printing in Industry 4.0.
  • TRILAB (Vojtěch Tambor): Small-scale production of advanced components, including a strategic partnership with Prusa Research.
Partners
The workshop was organized by the DefSec Innovation Hub for the General Staff of the Czech Armed Forces and other military components, with support from the Ministry of Defence’s Department of Industrial Cooperation and the University of Defence in Brno. The main aim was to promote the development and more practical implementation of additive technologies within the Czech Armed Forces, while also demonstrating how industry and academia can accelerate innovation in both military and civilian domains.

Event Outcomes

  1. Focus on the Real Needs of the Czech Armed Forces and Shortened Supply Chains
    • The presented projects showed how 3D printing can significantly reduce the time from design to a finished product, even in crisis situations.
    • Participants agreed that the Czech Armed Forces need a more flexible system for producing spare parts and specific components directly at the deployment site.
  2. A Stable Base for Further Research and Development
    • Research institutions (e.g., RTI at the University of West Bohemia or the University of Defence) showcased advanced projects involving metal 3D printing, quality monitoring during production, and CAE simulations.
    • Collaboration between companies and academia opens up opportunities to share data, know-how, and test materials under extreme conditions.
  3. Standardization and Sharing of Digital Resources within NATO
    • The workshop addressed the NATO Allied Command Transformation (ACT) initiative to build an additive manufacturing repository. Participants emphasized the need for shared standards and protocols for exchanging printing data.
    • Established procedures and certifications of 3D-printed outcomes have the potential to expedite the adoption of additive manufacturing across the entire alliance.
  4. Raising Awareness and Competencies in the Czech Armed Forces
    • Speakers highlighted the importance of training and competency development in the field of 3D printing. To leverage these new technologies effectively, the skill sets of both soldiers and civilian personnel must be strengthened.
    • Participants discussed the possibility of an integrated training program, including practical workshops and long-term internships at research centers and companies.
  5. New Directions and Applications
    • Beyond traditional uses—such as prototype and functional-part production—there are growing advanced applications: constructing facilities (barracks), creating stress-test components, designing unmanned systems, or developing complex subsystems for avionics.
    • The discussion revealed the potential for greater penetration of 3D printing into logistics, healthcare, and rescue operations, where speed and production flexibility are vital.

In conclusion, the workshop clearly confirmed the rising importance of additive manufacturing for the future of the Czech Armed Forces and the broader defense sector. Whether it’s rapid fabrication of specialized parts, lowering operational costs, or improving the sustainability and availability of critical components, 3D printing offers decisive benefits. Ongoing communication between industry, research, and the armed forces remains key to success on the path toward fully implementing these technologies.

Partners