3D Printed Bullets Developed and Tested by Russian Researchers

IMTS

Share this Article

1484824_-_main

[Image: US Air Force]

Most of the world’s leading countries, including the US, sometimes struggle to keep up with ammunition production. In 2013, US guns and ammunition manufacturers were running at full capacity and still couldn’t meet the demands of the government and general consumers. Russia may have found a solution to the production issue: 3D printed bullets.

Compared to traditional and conventional manufacturing methods, 3D printing offers five main benefits for ammunition production:

  1. Broader range of materials
  2. Cost efficiency
  3. Time reduction
  4. Precision and accuracy
  5. Automated manufacturing processes

Because of the size, the unique round shape and explosiveness, the structure of the bullet is divided into two core parts: the outer layer (copper jacket) and lead core. The outer layer is shaped from a thin sheet of copper and is used to cover and protect the lead core which then explodes at the target. With traditional manufacturing methods, the lead core and outer layer have to be created separately then merged together in the final process.

258790006_4

 When the outer layer is coated onto the lead core, it sometimes creates certain holes or spaces that could impact the performance of bullets. Since a machine delivers the copper jacket to the lead core and manually covers it, it often fails to completely and tightly cover the lead core.

rpfThe 3D printing-based bullet manufacturing method created and tested by the Russian Foundation for Advanced Research Projects in the Defense Industry (FPI) and defense research center JSC Tsniitochmash creates bullets layer by layer, leaving no space or vulnerability between the outer coating and lead core. The FPI stated that the precision of their 3D printing method allowed the bullet to perform similarly to traditionally manufactured ammunition.

“Foundation for Advanced Studies and JSC “TSNIITOCHMASH” successfully conducted tests of an experimental batch of bullets that were created using layered laser melting technology (PLC-bullet). Layering technology today becomes a new paradigm for high-tech industry: it is a fast production method with accelerated development of components, parts and structures. Laser fusion is the quickest way to bring an idea of a product to its realization,” stated the FPI.

If the FPI continues to develop its 3D printing method and manages to implement it in a commercial scale, it could be presented as a solution to the world’s ammunition issues and inefficiency of most ammunition production mechanisms. The FPI will soon be able to test its method on a wider range of products, including guns, tanks, and aircraft parts, among many others. Discuss in the 3D Printed Bullets forum at 3DPB.com.

[Source: FPI]

Share this Article


Recent News

Liquid Metal 3D Printing Sector Emerges with Fluent Metal’s $5.5M Investment

3DPOD Episode 191: Amy Alexander, 3D Printing at the Mayo Clinic



Categories

3D Design

3D Printed Art

3D Printed Food

3D Printed Guns


You May Also Like

3DPOD Episode 190: Generative Design for 3D Printing with Novineer CEO Ali Tamijani

Ali Tamijani, a professor in the Department of Aerospace Engineering at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, has an extensive background in composites, tool pathing, and the development of functional 3D printed parts,...

Featured

3DPOD Episode 189: AMUG President Shannon VanDeren

Shannon VanDeren is a consultant in the 3D printing industry, focusing on implementation and integration for her company, Layered Manufacturing and Consulting. For nearly ten years, she has been involved...

3DPOD Episode 188: Clare Difazio of E3D – Growing the Industry, and Growing With the Industry

Clare DiFazio’s journey into the 3D printing industry was serendipitous, yet her involvement at critical moments has significantly influenced the sector. Her position as Head of Marketing & Product Strategy...

Featured

Printing Money Episode 15: 3D Printing Markets & Deals, with AM Research and AMPOWER

Printing Money returns with Episode 15! This month, NewCap Partners‘ Danny Piper is joined by Scott Dunham, Executive Vice President of Research at Additive Manufacturing (AM) Research, and Matthias Schmidt-Lehr,...