The U.S. Marine Corps is seriously considering 3D printing as an integral part in going to battle. By having 3D printing facilities at near the frontlines, they can print out spare parts and devices needed on demand without waiting for logistical support to arrive when time is of the essence.

The Marines are about to start testing prototypes of their X-Fab or the Expeditionary Fabrication for Field User Evaluation (FUE) next month. The X-Fab is a collapsible 20 x 20 container that houses four 3D Printers , CAD software, and a scanner. It would act as an addition to the C7912 mobile machine shop, which is equipped with the usual tools needed to fabricate part such as lathes and milling machines.

The advantage of having the 3D printers on the field is the quick way to create needed and done to the exact specifications when compared to traditional machining.

In a press release, program manager says that, "We don't know where the technology will take us, but this is a great opportunity to find out what Marines think about it and explore the viability of additive manufacturing for the C7912 Shop Equipment, Machine Shop."

Weighing 5 tons, the X-Fab can be easily be transported by truck and can be powered with a generator or from the power grid. It will take a team of four to set up the X-Fab in a matter of hours. Master Sgt. Carlos Lemus, staff noncommissioned officer in charge of the Additive Manufacturing and Innovation Cell with 2nd Maintenance Battalion says that having the X-Fab has the potential to cut the logistics footprint of the maintenance Battalion, saying that, “X-FAB will also enable us to better support Marines by getting platforms back in the fight faster. We are looking to exploit this capability, because it has the potential to cut out the time it takes to order and receive parts; instead of waiting weeks or a month for a part, our machinists can get the part out by the end of the day.”

Funded by the Department of Research, the X-Fab is still experimental and exploratory. The FUE, which will being on the 1st of September, will gather feedback from the users covering the design and dimensions of the X-Fab itself, the quality of the materials used for 3D Printing, capability and capacity of the 3D Printers, and the quality of the output of the X-Lab. The results can be used in improving  the mobile fabrication shelter for further evaluation and the development of an acquisition strategy.

There are many possibilities with 3D Printing, and U.S. Marines can create a small UAV that they need for reconnaissance, improvise machines that can be temporarily used in the field, and even create new devices that will meet the demands of the situation hand. Who knows, they can even print out food for personalized meals which the U.S. Army is looking into. From hobbyists to Marine machinists, 3D Printing can help a Marine battalion achieve its objectives in the field.