Excerpt: In a little more than a year, the world’s largest metal 3D printer will be moved to the Rock Island Arsenal.
At 30 feet long, 20 feet wide and 12 feet tall, this new piece of high technology will be about as long and almost twice as wide as an M1A1 tank. This new 3D printer, currently being built in Rockford, is intended to manufacture what the Army calls a jointless hull — essentially, a chassis or underside for a large ground combat vehicle. Delivery of the new 3D printer to the Arsenal is expected in about 14 months.
The effort is being led by ASTRO America, the prime contractor, which will work with subcontractors Ingersoll Machine Tool, Siemens, and MELD Manufacturing to build the machine. The center on the Arsenal will be in charge of its operation.