WORLD
US army to use 3D print technology to make meals for battle-weary soldiers
Baku, August 11 (AZERTAC). The U.S. army is developing a 3D printer that could provide soldiers on the front line with nourishing meals, it was today revealed.
The technology, which is being created by researchers in Massachusetts, would produce food items rich in carbohydrates, protein and other nutrients on-site.
Connected to a computer with a software 'menu', it would feature digital instructions advising it how to create meals, particle by particle.
It would then work like an inkjet printer, depositing layers of food chemicals via syringes to build up an item.
The printer could be used by soldiers to replenish their energy levels and rebuild muscle at certain points in battle.
Incredibly, those suffering from particular vitamin deficiency could even increase their intake by selecting a particular food item, according to The Times.
The printer would reduce the cost of importing food into war zones, as well as providing a more varied selection of food for soldiers on the front line, it is claimed.
Food technologist Lauren Oleksyk, of Natick Soldier Research Development and Engineering Center (NSRDEC) told Defense One magazine the technology could also limit waste on the field.
Ms Oleksyk said her team was currently trying to print small snacks, but would soon be moving on to meals, such as pizza and pasta.
At present, models of 3D food printer include 3D Systems's ChefJet printer, which prints chocolate and other flavoured confectionary, and Natural Machines's Foodini, which can make hamburgers, ravioli and cheesecake.
And food is not the only product the U.S. Army hopes to use 3D technology can create.
It is also developing similar printers that can produce weapons, replacement body parts and warheads with smaller more compact parts that both save the army money and allow for more security measures.
It comes just weeks after it was revealed that the army has already begun using 3D printers to replicate soldier's wounds.
The technology scans a soldier's injury and reprints it, so that doctors can practice treating certain types of wounds.