FieldMade - 3D printing av reservedeler i militære feltoperasjoner

3D printing has for several years been primarily used in product development to create prototypes. We are now at the threshold of that 3D printing is able to replace traditional production thus simplifying logistics in many industries, including defense, in a radical way. Stocks of spare parts for the military is complicated and unpredictable even in peacetime. The need to secure the supply of all types of spare parts in the field, creating large volumes, transportation costs, excess materials and supplies. The current solution is very costly, inefficient and have long response. 3D printing will make physical supply chains becomes digital. You can produce parts locally as needed, creating much smaller, safer, faster and more cost-effective supply chains with less need for analysis and planning. Norwegian Defence Research Establishment (FFI) has since 2013 conducted research on the use of 3D printing for military purposes. As part of this work, FFI has: - Identified the potential for 3D printing by studying the Norwegian forces operation in Afghanistan, - Gained practical experience by taking the technology used in field operations and - Explored concrete ideas on how technology can be improved for military purposes. Based on this expertise is FFI, together with strategic partners, able to develop and market world-leading technology in this area. We estimate, based on figures from Deloitte, the global market for 3D printers will be at $ 9 billion. In 2020 and that the defense industry will account for 10% of this. Based on the solution that the project will develop Norway will thus be able to offer a high-tech product with large global potential.