The American corporation Supernova Industries has announced that it has secured a $2 million contract for 3D printing "military-grade energetic materials." In simpler terms, this refers to explosives used in munitions and solid propellant for rockets.
It has been noted that the funding was allocated under the Critical Chemicals Pilot Program of the American Center for Manufacturing and Innovation (ACMI) through a multi-purpose contract from the U.S. Department of Defense. This is specifically a production contract, although, considering its total amount, it is still in the initial stages.
Supernova Industries' innovation lies in their method of printing mixtures through lamination and adding their unique additive, which causes them to harden when exposed to light. This technology is called Viscous Lithography Manufacturing (VLM) and allows for the printing of materials with unlimited viscosity. As a bonus, it can create virtually any complexity of shapes.
The video indicates that the company is already working with APCP mixtures—solid rocket fuel based on ammonium perchlorate—as well as with RDX explosives—hexogen. The company has also stated that it is developing its own "energetic formulas."
Thus, through 3D printing, the issue of "unclogging" the relatively narrow bottleneck in ammunition production—combat equipment—is being addressed. Traditionally, this process occurs through pressing or pouring explosives into casings. Given that the casing of the ammunition can also be printed on a 3D printer, the possibilities become significantly more interesting.
Let us remind you that in November 2024, the U.S. will resume the production of explosives after a 38-year hiatus. This will require $435 million, but it is scheduled to commence in 2028.