The scale and complexity of military operations rely on sophisticated communication systems to operate across land, sea, and air. <a href="https://www.eurocontrol.int/system/satellite-communications-datalink" target="_blank">SATCOM</a> is used on military vehicles, aircraft and with defence equipment such as portable computers or terminals.<a href="https://www.rowse.co.uk/products/military" target="_blank">Military</a> SATCOM is built specifically for deployed forces to communicate over long distances and bypass obstructions along the distance that limit communication lines.<h2>Operational Frequency </h2>Radio waves are electromagnetic radiation waves that travel in a straight line. They enable communication over distances, but not all types of radio waves can travel along the Earth’s curvature.For radio waves to be effective, the antenna transmitting the radio signals needs to have a clear path to the receiving radio. The distance radio waves can reach depends on the height of the antenna. For example, a radio antenna two metres above the ground can transmit and receive signals from a distance of around six kilometres. The higher the antenna, the more range it can cover. This said, an antenna placed on a higher plane such as a building doesn’t guarantee that radio waves will reach the receiver. Urban areas present a challenge as other buildings can block the signal. The same blockage can occur from surrounding hills in the vicinity of the signal. Trees and dense forests can also limit radio signals in natural spaces.Obstructions along the path of the signal will not necessarily stop it from reaching the recipient. The signal might still reach its destination, but the connection will be weak or distorted. In a military environment, a weak signal impedes clear, timely communication, which can put personnel and operations at serious risk.<h2>The Role Of SATCOM In Defence</h2>Military operations require robust radio signals that can reach long distances, whether for communication on military transport or with <a href="https://www.rowse.co.uk/services/view/military-equipment" target="_blank">defence equipment</a>. SATCOM achieves this by transmitting radio traffic into a satellite in space above the Earth’s orbit. Radio waves going up towards a satellite in space avoid obstacles along their path on the ground. When the signal reaches the satellite, it’s sent back down to the recipient on Earth.Satellite communication gets around this by sending signals back and forth through space to reach intercontinental locations, making it possible to avoid obstacles that can impact short-range radio signals. SATCOM makes international communication possible because it’s not limited by the Earth’s curvature. Communicating via radio signals from New York to London without a satellite would require an antenna 2.6 million feet (800,000m) high! <h2>How Does SATCOM Work? </h2>Satellite communication uses satellites in space and stations on the ground to send and receive information using microwaves between two locations on Earth. SATCOM has three stages: the uplink, transponder and downlink. Transmitting a signal is the “uplink”. When the signal is picked up by the orbiting satellite, its strength is amplified to change its frequency. The signal is then relayed back to the designated station on Earth – this is the “transponder” stage.Finally, transmitters send signals (single or multiple) to points around the globe – this is the “downlink” stage.<h2>SATCOM Frequency Bands  </h2>Similar to radio waves, SATCOM has various frequency bands. The International Telecommunications Union (ITU) has specific frequencies reserved for military and government communications. The most commonly used bands used for SATCOM include S-, C-, L-, X-, Ka-, and Ku-band. These high-frequency bands also have sub-bands, which are often used in SATCOM.Each band has its advantages and disadvantages. Some bands can transmit a heavy stream of traffic, while others are sensitive to weather disruptions. In contrast, some bands can withstand bad weather but can only transmit narrowband communications. Military equipment also differs for each band. Specific bands require a SATCOM antenna that’s larger and better suited for static.Some bands are solely designated for military use. These include the X-band frequencies, although other wavebands are added to avoid congestion on certain bands. The choice of frequency band is determined by the geographic area where the signal is sent or received, as well as the power required to send the signal back and forth.<h2>SATCOM Is Critical In Defence </h2>Military SATCOM is at the core of relaying and receiving mission-critical information in time without interference. Radio waves transmit in a straight line, and can be weakened by obstacles along the signal’s trajectory. SATCOM gets around obstacles by sending signals to and from a space satellite to remove interference. Satellite communication in defence environments covers a range of purposes. Some satellites are only used for military operations. Others are designated for government communication and some are privately owned for SATCOM services.SATCOM, like radio waves, has its own frequencies, but only certain bands are designated for military (e.g. X-band). The type of band used depends on the location of the operation, the nature of the communication transmitted, and how the satellite is powered. Military communication demands high levels of security and agility for its complex operations. This means SATCOM is deployed on military vehicles, submarines, naval ships, and aircraft. Forces rely on SATCOM for stable communication between headquarters and forces in tactical and strategic locations via portable devices like military phones. In this way, SATCOM relays messages across vast geographical areas that would otherwise be inaccessible.

Military Satellite Communications (Mil SATCOM) is a specialised system where satellites transmit signals back and forth for long-distance, secure communication.

What Is Military SATCOM?

The defense industry and military organizations have been behind some of the most impactful innovations in recent history, from duct tape (initially developed to seal ammunition crates in WWII and now used for everything) to GPS navigation systems (pioneered by the U.S. Department of Defense in the 1970s). [1] It’s no surprise why: the defense sector has the resources required to accelerate innovation and an urgent drive to advance technologically for ever-evolving combat readiness.Today, printed electronics are at the forefront of defense innovation, and technologies like Voltera’s NOVA <a href="https://www.voltera.io/blog/introduction-direct-ink-writing-printing-technology?utm_campaign=Wevolver&amp;utm_source=webinar&amp;utm_medium=enhancing-combat-equipment&amp;utm_content=direct%20ink%20writing" target="_blank">direct ink writing</a> (DIW) solution are enabling defense organizations to increase vital metrics like efficiency, adaptability, and miniaturization when it comes to both wearables and combat equipment. In a previous article, we looked at several combat wearable applications for Voltera printed electronics, including discreet sensors for health monitoring and wearable heaters. In this article, we are turning to combat equipment to understand how Voltera’s technology can help defense organizations address an increasing demand for advanced integrated electronics that augment equipment functionality without adding bulk. The <a href="https://www.voltera.io/products/nova?utm_campaign=Wevolver&amp;utm_source=website&amp;utm_medium=enhancing-combat-equipment&amp;utm_content=NOVA" target="_blank">NOVA</a> platform, launched by Canadian company <a href="https://www.voltera.io/about/about-us?utm_campaign=Wevolver&amp;utm_source=website&amp;utm_medium=enhancing-combat-equipment&amp;utm_content=voltera" target="_blank">Voltera</a> in 2022, is a materials dispensing system designed to accelerate the development of advanced flexible circuits and sensors. The process selectively deposits screen-printable inks (i.e., conductive, dielectric, and functional inks) onto a wide variety of substrates, including both rigid and flexible materials. This printing approach eliminates the need for tooling and masks, resulting in faster iteration cycles and greater agility for applications such as electronics development, materials testing, and low-volume production runs.In the context of combat equipment, NOVA has the potential to be a game-changer in the development of circuits, sensors, and displays that enhance the functionality of critical military gear, including communication devices, navigation systems, robotics, vehicles, and more. In the following sections, we’ll be looking at a selection of use cases for the electronics printing technology that showcase this potential.<iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/2COFihlYVos?&amp;wmode=opaque" frameborder="0" style="width:640px;height:460px"></iframe> <h2 id="isPasted">Remote Robotic Control</h2>In the field, there are many environments and scenarios that can pose a risk to humans, from underwater equipment repairs, to bomb disposal, to reconnaissance in remote or difficult terrain. In the continual effort to make troops safer and minimize risk, defense organizations are becoming more and more interested in leveraging robots to carry out these challenging and potentially hazardous tasks. Electronics printing platforms such as NOVA can play an important role in the development of remotely controlled robotic devices that can operate in these environments, performing reconnaissance and logistical tasks under human control without any risk to human life. <img src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wevolver-project-images/froala%2F1762259608186-Control+Glove+Printed+with+NOVA+used+for+Finger-Level+Motion+Sensing+and+Remote+Control+of+a+Robotic+Hand.webp" style="width:100%px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt="Control Glove Printed with NOVA used for Finger-Level Motion Sensing and Remote Control of a Robotic Hand" />Control Glove Printed with NOVA used for Finger-Level Motion Sensing and Remote Control of a Robotic HandIn one relevant use case, NOVA was used to <a href="https://www.voltera.io/use-cases/white-papers/printing-strain-gauges-tpu-laminated-glove-remote-hand-control?utm_campaign=Wevolver&amp;utm_source=website&amp;utm_medium=enhancing-combat-equipment&amp;utm_content=wearable%20glove" target="_blank">print a wearable glove</a> that remotely controls the movements of a robotic hand.[2] Voltera’s platform printed conductive strain gauges using stretchable silver conductive ink on a flexible TPU substrate. These strain gauges were integrated into a glove and programmed to send haptic signals from the glove to a 3D printed robotic hand, which resulted in the robotic hand mimicking the human hand movements in real time. In the defense sector, enabling robots to move and respond in real time based on human input has a number of potential uses, including the remote handling of dangerous materials and hazardous items, like improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and other explosives, conducting maintenance in a high-risk environment, or gathering intel or data from dangerous or hard-to-reach zones such as collapsed structures, underground tunnels, contaminated zones, or active combat areas.. In the case of IED disposal, the use of advanced explosive ordnance disposal (EOD)  robots can ensure that the expertise and skill of bomb disposal professionals is still being used, just without any risky proximity. This offers a distinct advantage compared to earlier EOD robots, which are controlled via video-game controllers.[3] In addition to enabling human-controlled actuation interfaces, NOVA can print custom sensors, interconnects, and flexible circuits for the robots themselves, which can be encapsulated in moisture-resistant materials that protect devices from harsh environments.  <h2>Electroluminescent Displays</h2>Another important application for Voltera’s NOVA solution is in the development of high-quality display technologies, which play a pivotal role in military operations by promoting situational awareness and facilitating how troops and communications operators receive crucial information. It goes without saying that optimal displays for defense applications must offer a combination of clarity and robustness, particularly when used in the field. Electroluminescent displays (ELDs) are thus a perfect fit.ELDs are flat panel displays that utilize the principles of electroluminescence—a phenomenon where specific types of material, such as phosphors, emit light when exposed to an alternating current or electrical field. This phenomenon can be harnessed to create displays that are characterized by a thin profile, flexibility, temperature resistance, vibration resistance, overall durability, highly uniform light, and low cost.In a defense context, ELDs are already well established due to their high visibility and robustness[4], being used in control panels and instrument clusters in aircrafts, submarines, and road vehicles. ELDs also have great potential in other areas, such as in the production of rugged keypads and portable electronics that require visibility in both dark and light environments.   <img src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wevolver-project-images/froala%2F1762259655487-NOVA+Printing+a+Multilayer+EL+Display+using+Conductive%2C+Dielectric%2C+and+Phosphor+Inks.webp" style="width:100%px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt="NOVA Printing a Multilayer EL Display using Conductive, Dielectric, and Phosphor Inks" />NOVA Printing a Multilayer EL Display using Conductive, Dielectric, and Phosphor InksVoltera has demonstrated NOVA’s capability for printing electroluminescent displays. In a <a href="https://www.voltera.io/use-cases/white-papers/printing-electroluminescent-ink-paper-pet?utm_campaign=Wevolver&amp;utm_source=wevolver&amp;utm_medium=enhancing-combat-equipment&amp;utm_content=recent-use-case" target="_blank">recent use case</a>, the company printed a blue-light emitting pattern on two different substrates, exploiting NOVA’s ability to print multiple layers. The EL pattern, printed on flexible paper and PET substrates, consisted of four printed layers: a base conductive layer, a dielectric layer, a phosphor layer, and a top conductive layer. When connected to an alternating current, the thin flexible circuit glows blue.[5] Notably, the paper substrate delivered consistent results in the use case, which opens up the door to integrating ELDs into for example uniforms, sensor and vehicle panels, as well as equipment surfaces for covert, durable and low-signature illumination and situational awareness.It’s also worth noting that NOVA can also print additional material layers, including optical inks that can add anti-glare properties to a range of displays for glare-resistant maps, control panels, and electronics. <h2>Stealth Antennas</h2>As communications and tracking devices become more sophisticated, they are also getting smaller and more flexible. These intersecting trends towards greater miniaturization and flexibility in electronics are highly beneficial for the defense industry, which can pack greater functionality into a smaller, more versatile footprint, thus simplifying logistics and deployment without compromising performance.<img src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wevolver-project-images/froala%2F1762259769146-NOVA+Printing+an+RFID+Tag+on+Paper+using+Conductive+Nanocopper+Ink.jpg" style="width:100%px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt="NOVA Printing an RFID Tag on Paper using Conductive Nanocopper Ink" />NOVA Printing an RFID Tag on Paper using Conductive Nanocopper InkVoltera demonstrated this capability by printing an <a href="https://www.voltera.io/use-cases/white-papers/printing-rfid-tag-copper-ink-paper?utm_campaign=Wevolver&amp;utm_source=website&amp;utm_medium=enhancing-combat-equipment&amp;utm_content=RFID" target="_blank">ultra-high frequency radio-frequency identification (RFID) antenna</a> using a paper substrate and a nano-copper ink. The result of this proof of concept was an RFID tag suitable for long-range reading capabilities with a performance that exceeded off-the-shelf counterparts.[6] In terms of specific application, this type of RFID antenna is largely intended for inventory tracking, which could directly benefit militaries by streamlining the management and tracking of their weapons, communications gear, vehicles, or medical supplies. NOVA can also print antennas with more sophisticated functionality that can be folded to achieve even greater compaction. Overall, the possibilities for printed antennas are vast in the defense sector: among other things they can be used in portable surveillance kits, in ultra-high frequency tracking, and to enhance radar evasion for stealth aircraft and vehicles.[7]<h2>Conclusion</h2>Ultimately, Voltera’s NOVA printing platform has the ability to empower defense organizations as they seek to develop increasingly sophisticated combat equipment while benefiting from production agility and supply chain independence. Using materials dispensing to prototype and develop remote-controlled robotics, EL displays, and compact antennas is just the tip of the iceberg: by putting such a powerful tool in the hands of some of the most innovative minds in defense R&amp;D, the possibilities for new devices are limitless.To learn more about NOVA and its defense applications, <a href="https://www.voltera.io/book-a-meeting/nova-demo?utm_campaign=Wevolver&amp;utm_source=website&amp;utm_medium=enhancing-combat-equipment&amp;utm_content=get-in-touch" target="_blank">get in touch</a> with the Voltera team today.<h2>References</h2>[1] Military inventions that we use every day [Internet]. NATO, 2025. <a href="https://www.nato.int/cps/fr/natohq/declassified_215371.htm" target="_blank">https://www.nato.int/cps/fr/natohq/declassified_215371.htm</a> [2] Printing Strain Gauges on TPU laminated on a Glove for Remote Hand Control [Internet]. Voltera, 2025. <a href="https://www.voltera.io/use-cases/white-papers/printing-strain-gauges-tpu-laminated-glove-remote-hand-control" target="_blank">https://www.voltera.io/use-cases/white-papers/printing-strain-gauges-tpu-laminated-glove-remote-hand-control</a> [3] Thatcher, Cory. Robots to help TF Muleskinner Soldiers counter IED threat [Internet]. U.S. Army, February 22, 2012. <a href="https://www.army.mil/article/74292/robots_to_help_tf_muleskinner_soldiers_counter_ied_threat" target="_blank">https://www.army.mil/article/74292/robots_to_help_tf_muleskinner_soldiers_counter_ied_threat</a>[4] Monarchie D, Budzilek RA, Cupero F. Sunlight-viewable electroluminescent displays for military applications. InCockpit Displays 1994 Jun 17 (Vol. 2219, pp. 60-67). SPIE. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1117/12.177807" target="_blank">https://doi.org/10.1117/12.177807</a> [5] Printing Electroluminescent Ink on Paper and PET [Internet]. Voltera, 2025. <a href="https://www.voltera.io/use-cases/white-papers/printing-electroluminescent-ink-paper-pet" target="_blank">https://www.voltera.io/use-cases/white-papers/printing-electroluminescent-ink-paper-pet</a> [6] Printing an RFID Tag with Copper Ink on Paper [Internet]. Voltera, 2025. <a href="https://www.voltera.io/use-cases/white-papers/printing-rfid-tag-copper-ink-paper" target="_blank">https://www.voltera.io/use-cases/white-papers/printing-rfid-tag-copper-ink-paper</a> [7] Gupta, Srishti. China shrinks jet antenna to 0.047 times wavelength to boost fighter’s stealth power [Internet]. Interesting Engineering, February 26, 2025. <a href="https://interestingengineering.com/military/china-shrinks-jet-antenna-stealth-power" target="_blank">https://interestingengineering.com/military/china-shrinks-jet-antenna-stealth-power</a>

NOVA Printing a Multilayer EL Display using Conductive, Dielectric, and Phosphor Inks

The NOVA platform by Voltera is a versatile tool that can empower defence organizations in the integration of increasingly sophisticated electronics in combat equipment.

Enhancing Combat Equipment with Printed Sensors, Antennas, Displays

3D printing has been on the defense sector’s radar for over a decade.[1]&nbsp;However, it is only in recent years that additive technologies have matured to the point of enabling truly viable production applications for military adopters, and the potential is only just starting to be tapped.Additive manufacturing technologies are well-positioned to improve several aspects of defense production processes. According to the U.S. Department of Defense’s Additive Manufacturing Strategy published in 2021, 3D printing has a number of benefits for the defense sector, including “modernizing national defense systems” through optimized AM design, producing innovative solutions and devices on the front lines and “increasing material readiness” through accelerated development and on-demand production of spare parts.[2]In this article, we will be exploring how these benefits are being realized by militaries and defense groups around the globe, as well as how UltiMaker’s 3D printing solutions are ideally suited to meet the stringent standards and agility required in military applications.<h2 dir="ltr">3D Printing Applications in Defense</h2>Applications in the defense and military sectors have been evolving steadily over the years, from rapid prototyping to various production applications that provide value in terms of efficiency, logistics, and safety. Below are the leading application areas for additive manufacturing in defense sectors around the world.&nbsp;<h3 dir="ltr">Spare Parts</h3>One of the most game-changing applications for 3D printing in the defense sector is the on-site production of spare parts. Since 3D printing technologies can be deployed in remote locations or even on the front lines, the technology facilitates the production of replacement parts on demand. This has huge benefits when it comes to logistics and military supply chains. For one, troops deployed in remote locations are more self-sufficient when they can print parts they need on the go. This capability also eliminates the need to transport extensive inventories of spare parts; instead, troops must simply bring a 3D printer and materials to print the parts that they need when they need them.At military bases, 3D printing technologies are also valuable for spare part production. For example, if a legacy vehicle or aircraft returns with a broken or defective component, engineers can reverse engineer the part and print it on site as a stop-gap solution while the actual part is sourced through a complex supply chain. In some cases, 3D printed parts are also viable to use as permanent replacements, which simplifies supply chains even more. This is thanks to advances in production-grade 3D printing materials, such as glass and carbon fiber reinforced polymers and metal filaments.<img src="https://images.wevolver.com/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJ3ZXZvbHZlci1wcm9qZWN0LWltYWdlcyIsImtleSI6ImZyb2FsYS8xNzIyMzI5MzA5Mjk2LXVsdGkgZGVmZW5jZSA0LmpwZyIsImVkaXRzIjp7InJlc2l6ZSI6eyJ3aWR0aCI6OTUwLCJmaXQiOiJjb3ZlciJ9fX0=" style="width: 100%px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">The French Army deployed 50 UltiMaker 3D printers in 2020 to overcome supply chain challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. (Photo Source: 3DPrint.com)One example of leveraging 3D printing for spare parts production comes from France, where the French Army launched one of the largest military 3D printing farms in Europe in order to ease supply chain challenges caused by COVID-19. In total, 50 UltiMaker 3D printers were installed at the Ecoles Militaires de Bourges in April 2020 to produce spare parts for repairing systems and vehicles for external operations.[3] Today, the French military operates a fleet of about 200 UltiMaker 3D printers.Naval units can also benefit from the ability to print replacement parts onboard ships. For example, one UltiMaker customer 3D printed a replacement cold water filter used on ships to filter sea water. Since the original filter broke down while the ship was on a mission, it was not possible to easily source a replacement using conventional methods. Using 3D printing, however, the crew was able to produce a functional replacement in a single day for only €30 (98% less than the original part) using UltiMaker PLA and TPU. The replacement part also ended up lasting longer than the original component.<img src="https://images.wevolver.com/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJ3ZXZvbHZlci1wcm9qZWN0LWltYWdlcyIsImtleSI6ImZyb2FsYS8xNzIyMzI5MzQxMDQwLXVsdGkgZGVmZW5jZSA1LmpwZyIsImVkaXRzIjp7InJlc2l6ZSI6eyJ3aWR0aCI6OTUwLCJmaXQiOiJjb3ZlciJ9fX0=" style="width: 100%px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">3D printed cold water filter replacement, which only cost €30 to produce onboard a ship. (UltiMaker)<h3 dir="ltr" id="isPasted">Tools &amp; Equipment Enhancements</h3>3D printing has also proven to be a valuable manufacturing technology to military users when it comes to maintenance operations. As we saw above, spare parts play a big role in keeping maintenance and repair operations efficient, but 3D printing can also be used in other ways to streamline workflows and facilitate equipment maintenance, such as in the rapid production of custom tools and assembly aids.<img src="https://images.wevolver.com/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJ3ZXZvbHZlci1wcm9qZWN0LWltYWdlcyIsImtleSI6ImZyb2FsYS8xNzIyMzI5MzYzNzUxLXVsdGkgZGVmZW5jZSA2LmpwZyIsImVkaXRzIjp7InJlc2l6ZSI6eyJ3aWR0aCI6OTUwLCJmaXQiOiJjb3ZlciJ9fX0=" style="width: 100%px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">3D printed cold water filter replacement, which only cost €30 to produce onboard a ship. (UltiMaker)The Royal Netherlands Air Force has turned to UltiMaker 3D printing to produce a series of custom tools for the maintenance of fighter jets, helicopters, and cargo planes. Maintenance operations to keep military aircraft in top condition can be complex, as aircraft tend to have unique or rare parts. With 3D printing on site, Dutch military maintenance crews have the ability to design and iterate custom tools, such as special caps to cover jet engine openings in transport, or adjustment tools for helicopter parts that dramatically simplify configuration. In many cases, custom tools can be 3D printed in a matter of hours, which accelerates maintenance times and saves costs associated with tool outsourcing.[4]<img src="https://images.wevolver.com/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJ3ZXZvbHZlci1wcm9qZWN0LWltYWdlcyIsImtleSI6ImZyb2FsYS8xNzIyMzI5Mzk3Njc3LXVsdGkgZGVmZWluY2UgMy5qcGciLCJlZGl0cyI6eyJyZXNpemUiOnsid2lkdGgiOjk1MCwiZml0IjoiY292ZXIifX19" style="width: 100%px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">Dual-material rotinor turbine wrench used in the maintenance of underwater transport systems. (UltiMaker)In another maintenance use case, a custom rotinor turbine wrench used to maintain an underwater transport system was 3D printed using a combination of PA CF10 and Igus’ iglidur I150-PF filament. While the original tool, made from steel, cost €1100 to manufacture and took 12 weeks of lead time, 3D printing brought the cost and lead time down to just €24 and 13 hours, respectively. Besides the time and cost benefits, 3D printing also made it possible to easily customize the tool, manufacture it on-site, and minimize the risks of system damage through the integration of the tribo filament iglidur I150-PF. &nbsp;In addition to maintenance tools, 3D printing can be used on the front lines to rapidly produce components that enhance equipment capabilities. For example, troops can take the initiative to 3D print custom brackets for mounting GPS or radio communication systems in vehicles like motorcycles or quads. 3D printing makes it possible to adapt the brackets for different types of communication equipment and integrate features like microphone slots (as was the case with the 3D printed bracket pictured below). This capability not only helps reduce cost and lead times (in this case the 3D printed part was 80% cheaper than the conventional steel component and took only one day to make), it also empowers defense teams, as they iterate helpful products on an as-needed basis using materials fit for the<a href="https://ultimaker.com/learn/lifting-a-12-tonne-tank-with-a-plastic-3d-print/" target="_blank">&nbsp;toughest applications</a>.<img src="https://images.wevolver.com/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJ3ZXZvbHZlci1wcm9qZWN0LWltYWdlcyIsImtleSI6ImZyb2FsYS8xNzIyMzI5NDQ2NTgyLXVsdGkgZGVmZW5zZSAyLmpwZyIsImVkaXRzIjp7InJlc2l6ZSI6eyJ3aWR0aCI6OTUwLCJmaXQiOiJjb3ZlciJ9fX0=" style="width: 100%px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">GPS / Radio bracket fixes a radio communication to vehicles like motorcycles and quads during missions. (UltiMaker)<h3 dir="ltr" id="isPasted">Medical Devices</h3>The medical sector has been a key adopter of 3D printing and has benefited particularly from the technology’s ability to create patient-specific models and devices on demand. These same benefits also translate to the defense sector, where efficient medical treatment is imperative. Having a 3D printer on a base or in the field enables medical teams to rapidly design and iterate potentially life-saving devices, such as patient-specific surgical planning tools or customized prosthetics, even in remote regions.Leveraging 3D printing in the production of medical models and devices is not only important to treat military personnel, it can also be deployed in disaster zones to ensure patients receive the care they need and are fitted with custom prosthetic or orthotic devices even when infrastructure and traditional supply chains have failed.<h2 dir="ltr">Technological Advancements and Innovations</h2>In addition to the aforementioned applications, there are many cutting-edge research and development initiatives to advance additive manufacturing in the defense sector. Below are just a few examples of avenues that militaries and defense researchers are exploring for the use and optimization of additive technologies:● &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;High-performance protective gear and armor that leverages advanced 3D printed materials, metamaterials, and bio-inspired design.● &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;3D printed shelters, barracks, and bunkers made using large-format construction 3D printing systems capable of building in-situ using locally sourced materials.[5]● &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;AI-driven software to enhance and further automate part design as well as increase the efficiency and consistency of production processes.[6]<h2 dir="ltr">UltiMaker Solutions for Defense&nbsp;</h2>Finding the right 3D printing solution for defense applications can be a challenge, as military organizations have many considerations and requirements related to deployability, security, and quality. UltiMaker’s industrial desktop systems, which are now in use for several <a href="https://ultimaker.com/applications/defense/" target="_blank">defense applications</a> around the globe, are a viable solution for defense users seeking to exploit the benefits of 3D printing. For example, UltiMaker’s 3D printing systems—including the <a href="https://ultimaker.com/3d-printers/s-series/" target="_blank">S series</a>, <a href="https://ultimaker.com/3d-printers/method-series/" target="_blank">Method series</a>, and Factor series—offer:● &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;An enclosed and fully protected print chamber, which enables them to be used in challenging environments. (The<a href="https://ultimaker.com/3d-printers/factor-series/ultimaker-factor-4/" target="_blank">&nbsp;Factor 4</a> features a triple-insulated build chamber.)● &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Dual-extrusion capabilities for multi-material builds, easy-to-remove supports, or faster printing rates.● &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;A compact footprint, which facilitates the deployment of 3D printers to remote locations in the field or onboard ships.● &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;The option of a materials case that protects filaments and ensures materials are stored at the right temperature and humidity levels. (In the case of the Factor 4, the system has a built-in automated material handling system.)● &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;A high-level of security and IP protection, since UltiMaker machines and Cura software can be used without cloud connection; all designs and 3D prints can be saved within an organization’s own secure data bubble.● &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Broad material options, including high-strength and high-performance filaments, such as<a href="https://ultimaker.com/materials/factor-series-pps-carbon-fiber/" target="_blank">&nbsp;carbon fiber reinforced polyphenylene sulfide (PPS CF)</a>,<a href="https://ultimaker.com/materials/s-series-pet-carbon-fiber/" target="_blank">&nbsp;PET CF</a>,<a href="https://ultimaker.com/materials/s-series-pc/" target="_blank">&nbsp;Polycarbonate (PC)</a>,<a href="https://ultimaker.com/materials/s-series-tpu-95a/" target="_blank">&nbsp;flexible TPU</a>, and even metal filaments like<a href="https://ultimaker.com/materials/ultimaker-metal-expansion-kit/" target="_blank">&nbsp;Ultrafuse 17-4 PH</a>. The UltiMaker Factor 4 is also compatible with over <a href="https://marketplace.ultimaker.com/app/cura/materials" target="_blank">200 third-party materials</a>.In addition to these technical advantages, UltiMaker is also a reliable partner for defense companies and organizations, and is committed to building long-lasting relationships with its clients and ensuring that all needs are met. The company even offers consultancy services that can help end users in the defense sector make the most out of 3D printing and discover innovative new ways of leveraging the technology. &nbsp;&nbsp;<img src="https://images.wevolver.com/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJ3ZXZvbHZlci1wcm9qZWN0LWltYWdlcyIsImtleSI6ImZyb2FsYS8xNzIyMzI5NTU1ODMyLXVsdGkgZGVmZW5zZSAxLmpwZyIsImVkaXRzIjp7InJlc2l6ZSI6eyJ3aWR0aCI6OTUwLCJmaXQiOiJjb3ZlciJ9fX0=" style="width: 100%px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">UltiMaker Factor 4 was presented at AM Village, Tournai/Belgium (UltiMaker)<h2 dir="ltr">Advancing Defense Goals</h2>Ultimately, 3D printing technologies are empowering military organizations to achieve greater efficiency and accelerate innovation, both on bases and in the field. As in other industries like aerospace and automotive, the technology has proven to be uniquely capable of manufacturing critical replacement parts and equipment enhancements on location. In a military context, this is especially valuable as being able to produce components on the go improves operational readiness and ensures critical equipment is kept up and running.As we’ve seen, this capability is also game-changing for military logistics and supply chains. Troops deployed in the field or Navy crews can benefit significantly from the ability to manufacture parts when they are needed rather than transporting a large inventory of spare parts or waste significant time sourcing parts through complex supply chains. This versatility means that defense teams simply have to transport a 3D printer and raw materials and can create a wide variety of parts on demand. All in all, additive manufacturing’s capabilities align almost seamlessly with the goals of military applications, with a notable emphasis on customization, adaptability, and innovation.<h2 dir="ltr">References</h2>[1] Cheney-Peters, Scott; Hipple, Matthew. Print Me a Cruiser! [Internet]. U.S. Naval Institute, April 2013.<a href="https://www.usni.org/magazines/proceedings/2013/april/print-me-cruiser" target="_blank">&nbsp;https://www.usni.org/magazines/proceedings/2013/april/print-me-cruiser</a>&nbsp;[2] DoD Additive Manufacturing Strategy [Internet]. Department of Defense, January 2021.<a href="https://www.cto.mil/dod-additive-manufacturing-strategy/" target="_blank">&nbsp;https://www.cto.mil/dod-additive-manufacturing-strategy/</a>&nbsp;[3] Tampi, Tarun. French Army Deploys Massive Military Print Farm for Spare Parts [Internet]. 3DPrint.Com, July 7, 2020.<a href="https://3dprint.com/269936/french-army-deploys-massive-military-print-farm-for-spare-parts/" target="_blank">&nbsp;https://3dprint.com/269936/french-army-deploys-massive-military-print-farm-for-spare-parts/</a>&nbsp;[4] Royal Netherlands Air Force: Speeding up maintenance with 3D printed tools [Internet]. UltiMaker, 2024.<a href="https://ultimaker.com/learn/royal-netherlands-air-force-speeding-up-maintenance-with-3d-printed-tools/" target="_blank">&nbsp;https://ultimaker.com/learn/royal-netherlands-air-force-speeding-up-maintenance-with-3d-printed-tools/</a>&nbsp;[5] Riebeling, Alyx. New innovative Army effort builds 3D printed barracks [Internet]. U.S. Army, February, 2024.<a href="https://www.army.mil/article/274036/new_innovative_army_effort_builds_3d_printed_barracks" target="_blank">&nbsp;https://www.army.mil/article/274036/new_innovative_army_effort_builds_3d_printed_barracks</a>&nbsp;[6] Decker, Audrey. Air Force tests AI-designed, 3D-printed drones [Internet]. Defense One, June, 2024.<a href="https://www.defenseone.com/technology/2024/06/air-forces-mideast-drone-unit-eyes-stateside-element/397257/" target="_blank">&nbsp;https://www.defenseone.com/technology/2024/06/air-forces-mideast-drone-unit-eyes-stateside-element/397257/</a>

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