3D SGX Marines present 3D Printing Capabilities to JGSDF Partners

Photo By Lance Cpl. Weston Brown | U.S. Marines with 3rd Sustainment Group (Experimental), 3rd Marine Logistics Group, and Maj. Gen. Masayoshi Sakamoto, middle left, the commandant of the Japan Ground Sefl-Defense Force Ordnance School, and Maj. Yakako Nakajima, middle right, a member of the JGSDF, pose for a group photo at Camp Kinser, Okinawa, Japan, Sep. 14, 2022. 3rd MLG, based out of Okinawa, Japan, is a forward-deployed combat unit that serves as III MEF’s comprehensive logistics and combat service support backbone for operations throughout the Indo-Pacific area of responsibility. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Weston Brown)  

CAMP KINSER, OKINAWA, JAPAN

09.14.2022

Story by Lance Cpl. Federico Marquez 

3rd Marine Logistics Group

CAMP KINSER, Okinawa, Japan – 3rd Sustainment Group (Experimental) held a demonstration for the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force on the capabilities and tactical use of 3D printing technology on Camp Kinser, Sept. 14, 2022.

Major General Masayoshi Sakamoto, the Commandant of the JGSDF Ordnance School, met with Brig. Gen. Adam Chalkley, the commanding general of 3rd Marine Logistics Group, to learn the capabilities of 3D printing in a tactical environment. 3rd SGX has a variety of capabilities, and among those is the temporary replacement for tools, vehicle parts, and even medical equipment by creating parts using 3D printing technology.

“What I learn today will enhance not only the Ground Self Defense Force, but also the Self Defense Force’s capabilities,” said Sakamoto.

3rd SGX gave a tour of the equipment, the Expeditionary Fabrication Shop, and the capabilities of the Marines who operate the equipment. Gunnery Sgt. Quincy Reynolds, the fabrications chief with General Support Maintenance, 3rd SGX, spoke about the equipment and introduced the Expeditionary Fabrication Shop, or X-FAB.

“The X-FAB quickly provides a capability to return combat damaged gear and parts that are not available,” said Reynolds.

The X-FAB is designed to be a forward manufacturing shop, with the purpose of replicating damaged gear and returning them to operational standards quickly. The X-FAB has a variety of different printers and equipment, each with its own distinct capabilities. One such piece of equipment is the FARO Quantum Max ScanArm. The ScanArm will scan a damaged part and create a digital blueprint for 3D printing. After the damaged gear is scanned, it can then be recreated using a variety of materials.

“One key aspect to take away from this is that we can create parts using different materials, which can range from kevlar to plastic or metal,” said Lance Cpl. Maira AlvesDelima, a metal worker with GSM, 3rd SGX.

With the advancements in technology, 3D printing is becoming an increasingly important capability the Marine Corps will draw on as it modernizes for the battles of the future. A new Military Occupational Specialty is even being created, called “Fabricators”, these Marines which will specialize in 3D printing usage and technology.

“I think one of the things that is probably the most exciting is the pace that the technology is advancing,” said Gen. Chalkley.” We're going away from building plastic door handles and buttons for radios and industries are now building components for rockets using 3D printing. I think that's the way of the future.“

3rd MLG, based out of Okinawa, Japan, is a forward-deployed combat unit that serves as III Marine Expeditionary Force’s comprehensive logistics and combat service support backbone for operations throughout the Indo-Pacific area of responsibility.

• Date Taken: 09.14.2022
• Date Posted: 09.27.2022 03:40
• Story ID: 430146
• Location: CAMP KINSER, OKINAWA, JP