What Happened
Distributed Advanced Manufacturing Network Supports Future Pacific War
The US Navy, in partnership with the Naval Postgraduate School and FLEETWERX, has tested a distributed advanced manufacturing network during the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercise. The network, which links over 50 sites with various 3D printers and other high-tech tools, aims to manufacture key spare parts on demand, even aboard ships at sea. The initiative drew 2,741 part requests over two weeks, with the team producing about 75 different parts, including heavy-duty hose clamps. The experiment was first reported by Breaking Defense.