Follow U.S. Investment Immigration and U.S. News: The flexibility of the U.S. Marine Corps relies on its support departments, including in-theater repair and manufacturing units. To improve speed and efficiency, the U.S. Marine Corps recently selected advanced abrasive waterjet technology for its field metal fabrication shops.
Abrasive waterjet machines can precisely cut various materials of different thicknesses, including composites, alloys, and traditional metals, without generating heat. The cut edges are smooth, and in many cases, the parts are ready for immediate use after processing. This technology is particularly well-suited for the rapid implementation of small-batch production and modifications to meet changing battlefield environments.
The Marine Corps first used waterjet technology in-theater at Camp Leatherneck in Helmand Province, Afghanistan. This mobile machine can handle plate workpieces measuring 1.4m× 1.1 m and up to 203mm thick, and the machine can be transported in a standard shipping container. The flexibility of the machine has helped Allied forces respond to changes in enemy tactics. When combat commanders need different tools to overcome new threats, shop personnel can design and cut them on the spot and deliver them within an hour, allowing the Marine Corps to respond almost as quickly as the enemy changes. One notable example is the grappling hook used to locate tripwires for improvised explosive devices, a task the waterjet machine performed excellently.
Some ongoing projects include reinforcing the I-beam frames of M870 heavy-duty trailers. Without waterjet technology, the project would require a very complex, time-consuming, and costly process; cutting, grinding, and welding would take 2-3 days, whereas waterjet technology eliminates these steps, significantly saving time and costs. For other projects, waterjet cutting is the only truly reliable solution. For instance, in the Medium Tactical Vehicle Replacement (MTVR) upgrade project, the shop processed the vast majority of approximately 300 armor plate parts. Because the armor plates are extremely hard, these parts previously had to be manufactured in the United States, but they can now be cut directly in Afghanistan.