New Dstl project to allow for 3D printed explosives on the front line

Land March 16, 2020

A new technique developed through a Dstl collaboration will allow troops to access 3D printed explosives on the front line.

The Dstl Future Energetics Project explores new innovations and helped develop 3D printed explosives capabilities. The energetic formulations for 3D printing are manufactured in a LabRAM resonant acoustic mixer, which uses acoustic energy rather than physical blades to mix materials, making it safer and more efficient to use.

The 3D printing project is currently in testing stages, including printer capabilities and material extrusion to then move on to examining explosive characteristics of a print including utilising charge geometry to create different explosive effects. Understanding what shape has what effect could lead to bespoke printing for individual missions in a warzone, providing amplification of an effect with less material.

A Dstl spokesperson said: “Energetics knowledge and experience is vital for the UK to develop the best equipment, platforms and operational assets. We need to know how energetic systems damage or defeat our platforms and how we can counter threats, so we can advise on things like countermeasures, detection, safety, transportation and disposal, all while working with explosives in accordance with legislation.”

“Having this capability also means we can rigorously test and evaluate vehicles and systems against current and emerging threats to ensure they offer the required protection for armed forces. We also need to be able to support the police and counter-terrorism units who deal with explosions and homemade devices, such as the Manchester bombing in 2017.”

Dstl: Official partner of DPRTE 2020.

The Future Energetics Project has attracted people from a range of backgrounds such as forensic science, mathematics, chemistry, physics, graphic design, engineering and astrophysics. The need to improve UK energetics capability has been recognised by a number of national and international partners, and many activities are now available to develop skills.

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3D Printing capability collaboration Counter terrorism Dstl Research Troops