The U.S. Army is looking into using 3D printers as a new way to make rations and meals.
The potential method for feeding soldiers is being investigated by researchers at the Natick Soldier Research, Development, and Engineering Center (NSRDEC) in Massachusetts, according to The Verge.
Food technologist, Mary Scerra, said in an interview with Army Technology Magazine, that the process could reduce food costs because the printers could eventually be used to make food on demand.
"For example, you would like a sandwich, where I would like ravioli. You would print what you want and eliminate wasted food," Scerra said.
The first 3D printer capable of printing food was revealed by 3D Systems at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas six months ago, The Independent reported. In addition to providing more variety to meals for soldiers, the technology will also be able to provide soldiers with certain nutrients that each person needs.
"Say you were on a different mission and you expended different nutrients ... a printer could print according to what your needs were at the time," Scerra said.
3D printers have been used to create food before; researchers looked into ways to use the technology to feed astronauts, The Verge reported.
Researchers are also trying to come up with ways to use 3D printed food to increase the shelf life of rations. The minimum lifespan for rations is currently three years.
Lauren Oleksyk, food technologist for the NSRDEC, said that research on 3D printing food is growing, and that its current uses are limited, Tactical-Life reported.
"People are 3D printing food. In the confectionary industry, they are printing candies and chocolates. Some companies are actually considering 3D printing meat alternatives based on plant products that contain the protein found in meat," Oleksyk said.
Creating food is not the only use the Army is looking into for 3D printing, The Independent reported. The technology could be used for medical purposes, such as scanning injuries and regenerative bioprinting. Dr. Thomas Russel, director of the Army Research lab, said these processes could be beneficial for soldiers who suffer from non-traditional injuries. The Army is also looking into using 3D printers to develop different weapons, such as warheads.
"3D printing of warheads will allow us to have better design control and utilize geometries and patterns that previously could not be produced or manufactured," said James Zunino, a materials engineer for the Army.
