Corps explores deploying 3D mobile fab labs
The X-FAB, or Expeditionary Fabrication, Facility is a self-contained, transportable additive manufacturing lab comprised of a 20-by-20-foot shelter, 3-D printers, a scanner and computer-aided design software system that can be used to fabricate repair and replacement parts in the field. The Marine Corps is using an X-FAB located with the 2nd Maintenance Battalion at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, to explore this expeditionary capability. If acquired, the system can help expedite heavy equipment repairs in deployed environments. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Kaitlin Kelly)