With mobile 3D printing equipment created in Latvia, drone parts will be produced for the defense forces of Ukraine / Article

The head of the association “Wild Bees”, Jānis Ozols, showed the latest achievement, which is expected to be sent to Ukrainian soldiers soon. Together with his comrades in the association “Wild Bees”, he created something very special – a mobile 3D printing station for drones and grenade tails. The mobile workshop provides everything necessary so that soldiers can build everything they need for drone operations on the spot.

“Wild bees” have been helping Ukrainian soldiers with what they need at the front since the first days of the war. One of the highlights is 3D printing of pomegranate tails. They are necessary so that grenades and mines made by NATO countries can be dropped correctly on enemy vehicles and infantry. They are made in large quantities, so the tails are also very high.

Ozol often communicates with Ukrainian soldiers at the front and often adjusts production according to the needs of soldiers.

“We still make periscopes. We print these corners for them; the rest are from sewer pipes. And like caps too. These are important for looking over the edge of the trenches and being able to see the enemy approaching,” said Ozols.

He also said that the production facility is designed for two units of drones and will be able to produce 80 drones per day – that is the number of units that are used on average per day. “Wild Bees” produces pomegranate tails locally in Latvia, and also sends more than 50 3D printers and scanners to Ukraine. However, the war in Ukraine dictates its own rules, and the new situation requires that everything necessary be produced locally as much as possible.

“3D printing is very necessary on the battlefield today, so that there is no need to transport millions of parts and store them in warehouses, which are often destroyed by various missiles and “Shahed ” [droniem]. So, 3D printing is like a mobile factory that you can go with, let’s call it a trip,” said Ozols.

The printers sent up to now were often used by soldiers in inadequate rooms. In addition, the printers were often destroyed both during firefights​​​​ and during escape, so that the equipment does not fall into the hands of the enemy. The printers installed in the mobile factory will be much easier for the soldiers to use.

“In the past, it was necessary to assemble these printers yourself, and then only to be able to use them, and they also had to be repaired often, but the printers that are in this box, it’s a benefit to these printers that you take them. out of the package and print within 15 minutes,” said Ozol. .

Mobile 3D printing stations like this are very rare. In NATO, they only have US and French forces. The US Army has already delivered two aid ships to Ukraine, so the Ukrainian soldiers came to “Wild Bees” with a request to do something similar. The construction of one such station takes about three weeks, but due to several obstacles, especially the lack of sponsors, the construction of the mobile center took about 9 months. In addition, in order for it to be fully functional, a generator must be purchased. Therefore, “Savvalias bite” invites you to donate both on their campaign website “Ziedot.lv” and also in the association’s donation account.

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