3D printing system produces 35-hour grenade launcher

The RAMBO 3D printer system can produce almost all 40mm grenade launchers in very short time.

The US Army is testing 3D weapon technology with the Rapid Ammunition (RAMBO) system . The system is used to produce all 50 parts of a 40mm M203A1 grenade launcher, except springs and screws, Sputnik reported on March 13.

Rambo production and testing process.

"This technology can help provide ammunition to soldiers faster," the US military said. Initial testing with the M203A1 and training ammunition produced from 3D printers revealed the potential of this technology.

"The 15 shot test showed no sign of deterioration. All bullets shot well, while grenade launchers operated as expected," said the Center for Purchasing Equipment. (ASC) in the US Army.

The 40 mm bullets from the RAMBO have a top speed of 95% of the ammunition produced by conventional methods. 3D bullets are reduced by 5% as the cartridge shells are cracked, but this problem shows the flexibility of 3D printing, as it only needs to be remedied by changing the print design and printing. details without the need for additional tools such as the production line of normal ammunition.

M203 made by RAMBO (on) and traditional method. (Photo: KitUp).

All components of the M203A1 take just 35 hours to complete, providing a cost effective solution for the US military logistics.