UK develops 3D weapons printing system

Technology gives ability to create bespoke explosives

Britain's Defence Secretary Ben Wallace leaves 10 Downing Street in central London on February 13, 2020.  Britain's prime minister revamped his top team on February 13 in his first cabinet reshuffle since taking Britain out of the European Union.
 / AFP / Tolga AKMEN
Powered by automated translation

UK defence and technology experts have developed an on-demand 3D printing system for explosives that is expected to reduce storage and transport costs for the country’s armed forces.

Although the system is still being tested, if successful it will allow for the development of new explosive charges that were previously impossible to manufacture.

The new technology is being developed by the UK’s Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl), the research arm of the Ministry of Defence

“Understanding what shape has what effect could lead to bespoke printing for individual missions in a warzone, providing an amplification of an effect with less material,” Dstl said.

“As 3D printers give limitless possibilities, this is a real breakaway from traditional explosives,” it added.

The technology has been developed in large part by early-career scientists and engineers researching the future of energetics.

“Energetics knowledge and experience is vital for the UK to develop the best equipment, platforms and operational assets,” a Dstl spokesperson said.

“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,” they added.

Specialists in the UK’s defence agencies have been dedicating much of their town to understanding how the UK can better tackle ingoing threats going forward, Dstl said.