\u201cEl proceso de impresi\u00f3n 3D permite a los Marines crear un objeto f\u00edsico a partir de un dise\u00f1o digital\u201d, dijo CWO2 Justin Trejo, oficial de proyectos de PM Ammo en MCSC.\u00a0“B\u00e1sicamente, creamos un producto impreso en 3D y lo incorporamos a un sistema altamente explosivo”.\u00a0Los marines usan el MICLIC para despejar caminos a trav\u00e9s de campos de minas y otros obst\u00e1culos.<\/p>\n
QUANTICO, VA —<\/span><\/p>\n The Marine Corps continues to leverage additive manufacturing to benefit the warfighter.<\/p>\n This summer, the Program Manager for Ammunition at Marine Corps Systems Command 3D printed a headcap for a rocket motor used to detonate a M58 Mine Clearing Line Charge. The MICLIC is a rocket-projected explosive line charge that provides a demining capability for Marines.<\/p>\n \u201cThe process of 3D printing allows Marines to create a physical object from a digital design,\u201d said CWO2 Justin Trejo, a project officer with PM Ammo at MCSC. \u201cWe essentially created a 3D-printed product and incorporated it into a highly explosive system.\u201d<\/p>\n Marines use the MICLIC to clear paths through minefields and other obstacles on the battlefield. However, traditional manufacturing methods for creating the headcap can be both timely and costly, said Trejo. MCSC wanted to identify a more efficient method for producing the part.<\/p>\n PM Ammo found the answer to this dilemma in additive manufacturing.<\/p>\n In 2019, PM Ammo began exploring alternative solutions for manufacturing the headcap. After many hours of research as well as developing and testing a prototype headcap, the team collaborated with Naval Surface Warfare Center Corona Division to produce a 3D-printed version.<\/p>\n Earlier this year, NSWC Corona produced the 3D-printed, stainless steel solution. The next month, PM Ammo representatives assessed the 3D product during a test event at Yuma Proving Ground in Yuma, Arizona. The evaluation involved launching the rocket motor to detonate the mine-clearing line charge.<\/p>\n Trejo said the event went flawlessly.<\/p>\n \u201cThe rocket motor fired off just as intended and the line charge detonated as it is supposed to, which was a significant moment for us.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n \u201cIn the future, we\u2019d like to attempt to 3D print the headcap with its nozzles attached,” said Trejo.<\/p>\n He stressed the significance of the successful test event because it further confirmed the effectiveness of 3D printing, which has been growing in popularity within the Department of Defense.<\/p>\n Additive manufacturing provides Marines with a streamlined solution to meet their needs. In 2019, MCSC established its Advanced Manufacturing Operations Cell to serve as a 24\/7 help desk for Marines who need assistance with 3D printing, and other sustainment and manufacturing solutions.<\/p>\n AMOC is available to answer questions, field requests for prints and fully vet any part that requires fabrication by a Marine organization. The team of skilled Marines and civilians has employed additive manufacturing to develop everything from innovative maintenance tools to a reinforced concrete bridge.<\/p>\n Caleb Hughes, an engineer with MCSC\u2019s PM Ammo who supported the Yuma testing event, said 3D printing saves the Marine Corps time and money.<\/p>\n \u201cThe previous process of traditional manufacturing is outdated, while 3D printing is a more modern manufacturing technique,\u201d said Hughes. \u201cI truly believe 3D printing is the next generation of the Marine Corps.\u201d<\/p>\n Trejo believes additive manufacturing aligns with Commandant of the Marine Corps Gen. David Berger\u2019s vision in that 3D printing helps increase Marines\u2019 battlefield efficiency. Trejo said the manufacturing method enables the warfighter to be \u201clighter and faster,\u201d critical attributes when supporting various missions.<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019re able to create equipment parts and other assets for whatever particular mission we\u2019re engaged in,\u201d said Trejo. \u201cThis 3D-printed headcap represents the Marine Corps going above and beyond to support our Marines.\u201d<\/p>\n