On-world applications
The overwhelming majority of additive manufacturing systems built today are conceived with operation in clean, stable environments firmly in mind but these environments are often located far from the operational situations where the equipment they produce is needed.
Oil rig platforms, submersibles, the driest deserts, mountain climbing expeditions, mining operations and remote research outposts are just some of the inhospitable locations in which possessing the ability to manufacture tools, parts or other essential items in situ can make a vast difference particularly if time (or the lack of it) is a critical factor.
