It has recently been talked about using 3D printers on Navy ships
to create remote/pre-programmed drones (robots). But this may expand even
further as the technology progresses. So let us extrapolate on the future
potential of 3D printers in combat (in this case for the Navy).
Munitions: The Navy has a need to resupply
often at sea and of course they have a lot of rockets, bombs and other items
that go boom. So instead of storing those munitions on ship where they
risk possible explosion or having to be transported to a safe port to be loaded
on ship, the chemicals to make the explosives can be made on ship instead using
a 3D printer. Keep in mind that warheads for these munitions are attached
right before takeoff if loaded on an aircraft, but this is not so for munitions
stored in missile silos on Cruisers, Destroyers and similar water based craft.
So by manufacturing what is needed aboard ship, they may be able to
reduce this vulnerability as the warheads can be attached right before combat.
The other components of the missiles and other ordnance can be stored and
assembled on ship as well by a 3D printer. Fuel and materials can even be
harvested at sea to minimize need for resupply ships which are vulnerable, and
it will also reduce need for recycling and refuse disposal on ship as these
materials can then be recycled to make more weapons of war.
Tools and equipment: Just like munitions tools and
equipment can be made in the same way with 3D printers. Need a
specialized tool, then it can be designed and manufactured right on ship using
harvested materials from trash on ship and from the sea water itself.
Some equipment is so simple that they can be made with 3D printers.
As technology progresses, 3D printers can even print an entire computer
or alternative materials can be used to make that same equipment.
Literally, as time goes on, the limit on what can be made will be based
on the size of the 3D printer and how fast and reliably materials can be
supplied to it.
Conclusion: To be honest, the limits on 3D
printers are very small. They will eventually usurp much of the
traditional manufacturing processes already existing. On top of this,
materials that traditionally would be incapable of being used to make a
computer may finally be able to be used as such based upon how well 3D printers
convert the material into its new form. For the Navy, a powerful and
fully capable 3D printer may eliminate the need for resupply ships save food
and fuel (fuel is questionable as well though based on how well the development
of technology to get fuel from sea water progresses). The main focus of
the Navy or the military in general is to reduce the need for a supply chain
that is vulnerable to attack and limits range and maneuverability. So
just by having this technology aboard a ship and using it to make replacement
parts, tools and whatever other needs the ship has by using some stored
materials, trash (or even human waste) and materials retrieved from the ocean
waters, the Navy (and taxpayers) can save massive amounts of money, and improve
the safety of our servicemen and women at sea.
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