Marines are Using 3D Printers to Make Concrete Bridges

Marines from the 1st Marine Logistic Group formed a footbridge out of layers of concrete spewed from a 3D printer, and in a test of what the service sees as the future of combat logistics.


The contraption used by the 1st MLG is called an Automated Construction of Expeditionary Structures (ACES) printer. It’s not deployable yet. However, the Marine Corps has high hopes for using ACES printers in the field, Capt. Matthew Friedell, the team leader of the Advanced Manufacturing Operations Cell in the Marine Corps Rapid Sustainment Office, said during a media conference call today.

Friedell previously wrote about the possible Marine Corps uses for 3D printing in the October 2016 issue of Proceedings.

The 3D printer provides a level of flexibility the Marine Corps appreciates given its mission that often requires being agile while operating down range. The Marines do have bridge technology that can deploy, Friedell said, but the 3D printer allows engineers to create custom-made structures for crossing any gap.