3D Printing for Explosives and Propellants Applications

Abstract

3D printing technology is considered the perfect modern manufacturing technology for military/industrial enterprises worldwide. Applying 3D printing in explosives and propellants fabrication enables precise performance control and accurate structure formation, revolutionizing traditional manufacturing concepts and improving continuous, automated, integrated, and flexible explosives and propellants manufacturing. As key components in the 3D printing of explosives and propellants, adhesives/binders play a crucial role in determining the formation rate, stability, and structural integrity of explosive formulations. This paper provides an overview of the four major 3D printing technologies suitable for explosives and propellants manufacturing: vat photopolymerization, binder jetting, fused deposition modeling, and direct ink writing, with their typical production processes, technical characteristics, principles, and limitations discussed. Specific solutions to the limitations of vat photopolymerization (printing speed), binder jetting (low accuracy and limited applicable materials), fused deposition modeling (poor mechanical properties and dimensional stability), and direct ink writing (product performance defects) are presented. Additionally, future development directions and prospects for the 3D printing of explosives and propellants are discussed, thus providing valuable insights into the application of 3D printing technology in the fields of explosives and propellants.