Key Takeaways
- The US Army's DEVCOM Armaments Center demonstrated remote 3D printing of electronics at the Valiant Shield exercise in 2026
- The team collaborated with Marines from the 3rd Maintenance Battalion and Sciperio to repair drones using 3D printed electronics
- The exercise took place in the Indo-Pacific region, with team members working remotely from New Jersey, Oahu, and Okinawa
- The team overcame challenges such as environmental factors and damaged printers to successfully print custom flexible antennas
- The use of 3D printed electronics has the potential to replace existing antennas with lighter, more cost-effective alternatives
Introduction to Remote 3D Printing
The US Army's DEVCOM Armaments Center has been at the forefront of drone research and development, and its recent demonstration of remote 3D printing of electronics at the Valiant Shield exercise is a significant step forward. The exercise, which took place from June 21 to July 2, 2026, brought together a team of experts from the Armaments Center, Marines from the 3rd Maintenance Battalion, and Sciperio, a sister company of nScrypt, a leading innovator in electronics 3D printing.
Challenges and Solutions
The team faced several challenges during the exercise, including environmental factors such as tropical climate and salt air, which affected the silver inks used in the repair process. Additionally, multiple printers were damaged en route to the exercise, requiring personnel to perform minor repairs before work could begin. Despite these challenges, the team was able to successfully print custom flexible antennas, which have the potential to replace existing antennas with lighter, more cost-effective alternatives.
Comparison of 3D Printing Technologies
| Technology | Material | Resolution | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| nScrypt | Silver ink | 10-100 μm | $10,000 - $50,000 |
| Sciperio | Flexible materials | 100-500 μm | $5,000 - $20,000 |
| Traditional manufacturing | Rigid materials | 100-1000 μm | $50,000 - $100,000 |
Benefits of Remote 3D Printing
The use of remote 3D printing of electronics has several benefits, including increased flexibility, reduced cost, and improved efficiency. The ability to print custom parts and repair drones in the field can significantly reduce downtime and improve overall performance. Additionally, the use of 3D printed electronics can reduce the weight and cost of traditional antennas, making them more suitable for use in drones and other unmanned vehicles.
Conclusion
The DEVCOM Armaments Center's demonstration of remote 3D printing of electronics at the Valiant Shield exercise is a significant step forward in the development of drone technology. The team's ability to overcome challenges and successfully print custom flexible antennas has the potential to revolutionize the way drones are repaired and maintained. With the potential to replace existing antennas with lighter, more cost-effective alternatives, the use of 3D printed electronics is an exciting development in the field of drone technology.
Bottom Line
The US Army's DEVCOM Armaments Center has successfully demonstrated the use of remote 3D printing of electronics to repair drones, overcoming challenges such as environmental factors and damaged printers. The use of 3D printed electronics has the potential to revolutionize the way drones are repaired and maintained, and could lead to the development of lighter, more cost-effective antennas. With its ability to increase flexibility, reduce cost, and improve efficiency, remote 3D printing of electronics is an exciting development in the field of drone technology.