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2026-03-24 Science & Technology

3D Printed SAM Missiles - What Could Go Wrong?

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Posted by Griter+Slash1619 2026-03-24 00:00|| E-Mail|| Front Page|| [1818 views ] Top

1 From Github project:

Posted by Skidmark 2026-03-24 10:16|| 2026-03-24 10:16|| Front Page Top

2 There is major potential, but also major drawbacks. Fabricated and/or forged casings keep flaws and weak spots to a minimum as they are one piece and any impurities are usually spread out through the piece. We have checks nearly perfected now to use a microscope to check for cracks and that goes for weapons to airplane fuselages.

3D printed things however can allow weak spots and impurities gather as they are built one layer at a time. For a quick and immediate one use launch there would be a higher failure rate than normal missiles, but you can make a hell of a lot more of them. If stored, weather and temp swings can cause cracking and failures in the print to happen a heck of a lot more often and easier. I wouldn't trust a MANPAD missile that was 3D printed if it was stored a year in a unheated bunker in upper NY, that is for sure. Good way for it to blow up next to your head.

Posted by DarthVader 2026-03-24 16:42|| 2026-03-24 16:42|| Front Page Top

3 OR if sketchy alterations were injected into the 3D plans. Hilarity ensues

Posted by Frank G 2026-03-24 18:48|| 2026-03-24 18:48|| Front Page Top

23:24 DarthVader
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