Rock Island Arsenal soon to be home to world’s largest 3D printer

The world’s largest metal additive 3D printer, a machine capable of printing a joint-free hull 30ft x 20ft x 12ft for the U.S. Army’s next-generation combat vehicle, is expected to be up and running at the Joint Manufacturing Technology Center (JMTC) on the Rock Island Arsenal next spring.

It is a story of remarkable innovation that can revolutionize warfighter survivability, affordability and readiness. It also is a story illustrating the power of partnerships and advocacy by the Chamber-affiliated Rock Island Arsenal Defense Alliance (RIADA); federal, state and local elected officials; ASTRO America; and the U.S. Army.

“It will be constructed and producing equipment that has never been seen in history,” said U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin during a celebration of the Jointless Hull project held Monday, Oct. 24 on the Arsenal. He, along with entire Congressional delegation, were instrumental in securing $45 million for the project in the past two years.

“It’s a big undertaking and its one that can make a difference. It is not only an impressive project but also the beginning of an impressive commitment by the Rock Island Arsenal. It will demonstrate to military forces working in production all around the U.S. and around the world, and to the private sector that we are on our game and can produce the very best here, with the best men and women doing that work,” Durbin added.

RIADA leads initiatives to support and grow the Arsenal and the QC defense industry. Made up of many partners – including elected officials, private sector leaders, education officials and community leaders – its advocacy created a path for the Army to designate the JMTC as its Advanced Manufacturing Center of Excellence (AM COE) in 2019.

To put that designation into action and to drive broader economic investment in the QC region, RIADA and community partners worked with ASTRO America, a not-for-profit, non-partisan Research Institute and Think Tank. It had conceived the idea to create a 3D printer capable of creating a jointless hull for the Army’s next-generation combat vehicles and was tasked with managing all research and development.

Through ASTRO, RIADA learned what the Army needed, identified where there could be a value added by the Rock Island Arsenal and aligned those goals to make it happen.

This project builds a capability that will modernize the type of work that goes on at the JMTC and the Arsenal, and it solidifies the rationale for having the Center of Excellence here. This project will provide industry, academia and businesses a reason to come to the QC, to partner and use the different JMTC capabilities - whether it is the Jointless Hull or the other 3D printers they have. The Center of Excellence becomes the focal point, and more tactically it aligns the Arsenal with one of the Army’s top modernization priorities which is next-generation combat vehicles.

At the end of the day the installations that will succeed more than others are those that are aligned with the Army’s modernization goals. 

“We continue to find, look for and advocate for new projects the Arsenal can build or advance,” said Davenport Mayor and RIADA Board Chair Mike Matson. “The Jointless Hull project at the Arsenal is a big deal and it is critical to the safety of men and women in combat. This will help mitigate that and will continue to show the Army that whatever it asks the Rock Island Arsenal to do, it will be done. And we will continue our efforts,” he added.

The Jointless Hull printer will also build economic diversity in the QC and be a catalyst for workforce development. ASTRO will work to draw private sector businesses to the QC to utilize the printer to test different designs and concepts. The long-term goal is for those businesses come here and remain here, to build and grow a presence in the QC.

“This is expanding the footprint of the Rock Island Arsenal and the JMTC and securing more jobs for the Quad Cities region. This benefits both sides of the river,” said Scott Lohman, RIADA past board chair.

Neil Orringer, ASTRO president, said the Jointless Hull printer is the first example of how the Center of Excellence is bringing innovation to the U.S. Army. “This is the first project in what we hope is a long legacy of projects. The Jointless Hull is a significant project in itself, but it also marks a turning point for this region. We believe the JMTC will become a major hub for the world in additive manufacturing,” he said.

ASTRO is excited to bring value to the U.S. Army, and economic development and additional workforce to the QC. “We want to build an entire ecosystem of companies, an entire supply chain right here to help the Army build and support jointless hulls and other ground vehicle systems,” Orringer said.

Maj. Gen. Darren L. Werner, Commanding General, U.S. Army Tank-automotive & Armaments Command, said the printer provides the capability to build seamless combat platforms and advances the Army’s modernization priorities. “It is taking manufacturing of combat vehicles to the next level, creating an opportunity to build things we’ve never been able to before,” he said. “It’s unique and one-of-a-kind, and we are really happy to have it here at the Joint Manufacturing and Technology Center at the Rock Island Arsenal,” he added, making his remarks within the massive building where the printer – built by MELD – will be operational next spring. The crane that will move the printer, built by Rockford, Illinois-based Ingersoll, already is in place.

Rep. Bustos and Sen. Durbin were presented with a plaque commemorating the future installation of the Jointless Hull printer and thanked for their support of the Arsenal and work securing the funding. “The Arsenal is all about the future and this printer puts us in the military of the future,” Bustos said.

-- Top page image: U.S. Army photo by Debralee Lutgen/RIA-JTMC