3D innovations in the military

A polymer jetting machine uses the additive manufacturing (3-D printing) process to make a prototype of a Joint Service Aircrew Mask (JSAM) Chem/Bio mask on March 16, 2016 in Edgewood, Md. Engineers at U.S. Armys RDECOMs Edgewood Chemical Biological Center are using 3-D printing technologies to make rapid prototypes. (Kenneth K. Lam/Baltimore Sun/TNS)

US military wants to 3-D print robots, drones, spare parts, and what not.

SAY you’re a soldier sent on a mission into hostile territory. You’d like to have a drone to keep an eye out for ambushes. Maybe there’s one on hand, but it’s not quite right for the job. Or maybe there’s nothing available at all.