Exploring the Impact of 3D Printing on Medical Logistics in Operational Environments

Abstract

The study answers the research questions, does 3D printing have the potential to positively affect medical logistics operations for operational and distributed maritime operations (DMO) environments, and if so, which Class VIII(a) consumable medical supplies show high potential. The qualitative cases analysis investigates the challenges of medical logistics in austere, deployed environments, particularly in mass casualty scenarios, and the implications of additive manufacturing (AM) to medical logistics operations for selected Class VIII(a) consumable items in one simulated distributed maritime operations (DMO) environment. The analysis and findings suggest that some Class VIII(a) medical supplies are not good candidates for 3D printing. However, interviews with subject matter experts revealed other potential Class VIII(a) consumable medical supplies that meet characteristic requirements to be 3D printed in operational environments. The study results in initial insights, propositions, and recommendations on how to proceed with 3D printing to support medical logistics operations for operational and distributed maritime operations (DMO) environments.