In this paper, approach that adapting 3D printers, where relatively empirical research has been conducted, to the Repair Parts Support System is applied.
In order to supply repair parts, Republic of Korea Armed Forces makes contracts with corporati...
In this paper, approach that adapting 3D printers, where relatively empirical research has been conducted, to the Repair Parts Support System is applied.
In order to supply repair parts, Republic of Korea Armed Forces makes contracts with corporations compromised by Defense Acquisition Program Administration, based on procurement plan made by Logistics Command. It is a multi-stage process starting from supply of munition from contractor to munition units, and Logistics Unit supply munitions to Organization Unit using Automatic supply. Due to physical properties of repair parts, it is difficult to possess multiple items and predict the demand, and it is hard to secure due to time consuming procurement period and inventory depletion. In addition, because of limited National Defense Budget, the procurement contract is made once a year, which creates repeating administrative demands, and limits the timely procurement based on irregular demand of Organization Unit.
Although 3D printers were introduced at Army Consolidated Maintenance Depot in 2017, there are practical difficulties such as small number of 3D printer equipment, long manufacturing time for each items, and quality certification.
Therefore, this research aims to contribute to finding the direction for development of repair parts support system by SWOT analysis on adaptation of 3D printer to military.
To achieve this research objective, problems in the current repair parts support system and repair parts production process of Army Consolidated Maintenance Depot using 3D printer were drawn up through literature research, and SWOT analysis table was set through In Depth Interviews with warrant officers, non-commissioned officers, and commissioned officers. As consequence, four key strategies are derived and improvement plan was proposed.
First is the government driven technology development. There is no independent 3D printing technology in military, and private corporations are mostly composed of small and medium-sized businesses. Therefore, government should lead the sharing of new technology between public, government, and military to promote industry in national level, give the independence to materials, equipments, and SW technologies, innovate the laws and systems, and train professional manpower.
Second is development of next-generation equipment and construction of Smart Logistics Centers and warehouses. Plan to develop 3D printing maintenance Vehicle using PLS truck which ensures agility and Survivability, and plan to construct Smart Logistics Centers and warehouses in order to handle the deterioration of repair parts storage facilities and equipment, population reduction, and troop reduction are introduced.
Thirdly, it is a way to revise repair parts support system. plans to introduce 3D printers to Maintenance Battalion of Logistic Support Brigade and Logistical Support Battalion which enables the prompt maintenance support through repair parts production using 3D printers in maintenance sites both in peace time and war time were drawn.
Fourth is establishing specialized 3D printing center to construct infrastructure. Plan to build specialized 3D printing center responding over long time with expertise in order to construct infrastructure such as latest technology, quality certification, training professional manpower, and securing floor plan is introduced.
These findings suggest that adapting 3D printing technology to future military in effective way can contribute to maintaining the durability of Combat Power both in peace time and war time. Thus, in order to adapt 3D printer to military effectively, government driven technology development, 3D printer infrastructure construction in military, and repair parts support system with 3D printer adapted are required.