American corporation makes ballistic missile components with 3D printers

Lockheed Martin hopes to apply 3D printing technology to build some structural parts in the new generation intercontinental ballistic missiles of America.

Lockheed Martin Group said details such as pipes, fittings and intercontinental ballistic missile structure components (ICBM) could be built using 3D printer technology. The company is competing with Boeing and Northrop Grumman to win a contract to build a new ICBM generation for the US military, replacing the current LGM-30G Minuteman III, Defense News on April 4.

ICBM details are made with 3D printers.(Photo: Twitter).

3D printing is a solution to reduce US military spending, but the US Air Force (USAF) is worried about risking components made with this technology, making Lockheed Martin prove its feasibility. 3D printing in manufacturing ICBM.

Research conducted by the Advanced Defense Projects Research Agency (DARPA) shows that the fabrication method will affect the chemical composition and structure of metal materials. If the difference between conventional metallurgy and 3D printing is not taken into account, a series of problems will arise.

Three leading US arms corporations are participating in bidding for a missile program on the ground (GBSD) with a contract value of up to $ 62 billion to gradually replace the Minuteman III missile.