Mehler Protection, a provider of protection and tactical-gear solutions for law enforcement and military forces, enhances its ballistic protection solutions with the launch of PROTEC3D. It is a product line that relies on Additive Manufacturing to boost design flexibility, eliminate weight, and build complex components deemed impossible using traditional manufacturing techniques.
This line was designed specifically for military-based land vehicles to rectify the common weak points using ballistic-protected media disconnectors and cable feed-throughs. However, it demonstrates its potential in civil protection vehicles, achieving significant weight reductions in protective window frames.
The use of AM
With the Selective Laser Melting (SLM) process, Mehler Protection can build customized components to ensure stable ballistic resistance. It also enables the direct integration of cooling channels and mounting points by enhancing the reliability and lifespan of the protection solutions. In addition to the well-known benefits of AM, the technology helps Mehler to meet STANAG 4569 standards.
This strategy complements the ongoing M-RACC (Multirole Armour Composite Components) product series traditionally incorporates armor for modular, passive defense against security threats like ballistic projectiles, shaped charges, IEDs, mines, and more.
Also, cathodic dip coating (CDC) provides an opportunity to improve corrosion protection without disrupting the material’s ballistic features, which might be challenging in conventional armor steel. For those who are unfamiliar with CDC, it is an electrochemical process in which a workpiece is coated in an immersion bath. It is a standard procedure for ensuring the corrosion protection of vehicle bodies.
Integrating 3D printing technology into the PROTECT3D product line makes it reliable for military vehicles, ships, helicopters, and critical infrastructure applications.
Author: Nagarjun M
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