USCENTCOM- The modern battlefield is ever changing. One way the U.S. Army maintains its strategic advantage is by allowing Soldiers to operate within the U.S. Army Central Innovation and Manufacturing Center. The AIM-C offers 3D printing capabilities for rapid prototyping new products centered around enhancing combat operations.
“The use of 3D printing helps us with rapid prototyping, in order to develop a solution for a product” said Staff Sgt. Joseph Todd, the AIM-C manufacturing non-commissioned officer in charge. “We can 3D print, test it, see if we have to redesign and then we can figure out how it meets the design criteria.”
The 3D printers are used for prototyping products that are traditionally difficult to acquire. Some examples of these products are a control valve bracket for a M984 Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Truck Wrecker, a constant velocity boot cover for the half shaft of a Humvee and a field expedient IV holder.
If the organic Wrecker control valve bracket is broken, then the vehicle is considered non-mission capable. With the help of the 3D printer to rapidly prototype the bracket, the AIM-C is able to bring the Wrecker back to fully mission capable status until the permanent part arrives in theater.
Spc. Nathan Brackee, an allied trade specialist within the AIM-C, increased the longevity of dry rotted CV boots with the use of the 3D printer. A cover for the boots is currently undergoing field testing after only three months of development.
“In theater, there are approximately 200 Humvees that are affected by dry rotted CV boots,” said Chief Warrant Officer 4 Kennard Youngs, senior allied trade warrant officer for the 1st Theater Sustainment Command. “With this design, we’re able to protect the boot from sand causing further damage."
The AIM-C is also able to design new innovative ideas that address operational needs, not just physical parts on a vehicle. The field expedient IV holder allows Soldiers to use a hands-free method of hanging the IV, rather than hold it themselves or tying it to a tree while simultaneously working to save a life. When a Soldier is wounded, the objective is to provide combat life support in a quick and precise manner.
“You’re talking about a second versus a minute,” said Lt. Col. Adam Tudor, AIM-C officer in charge, 1st TSC. "When it comes to IVs or getting blood into someone, that could be the difference between life and death.”
The 3D printed prototypes like the CV boot and the control valve bracket have provided rapidly regenerative combat power, enhancing combat readiness in theater. Designing, testing and producing the materials of Soldier identified solutions in support of operational needs continues to be the AIM-C's main mission.
“Soldiers ideas go a long way,” said Tudor. “Their ideas can become a reality, and they can help Soldiers on the front line do their job more efficiently and safely.”