Leh Hosts India’s First 3D-Printed Defense Structure at 11,000 ft

Under the direction of Prof. KVL Subramaniam from IIT Hyderabad, the groups created a specialized 3D printing technology that can function in challenging conditions.

Simpliforge Creations and IIT-Hyderabad, working with the Indian Army on Project PRABAL, have successfully produced India's first on-site 3D printed defensive military building at a height of 11,000 feet in Leh, marking a significant advancement in defense infrastructure. According to a statement, this is the highest-ever in-situ 3D printed structure ever created, accomplished under very high-altitude, low-oxygen (HALO) circumstances.

Under the direction of IIT-H Professor KVL Subramaniam, the teams created a specialized 3D printing technology that can function in challenging conditions. Despite inclement weather, the project was finished in five days using locally found materials, and a form-optimized bunker was printed in just fourteen hours.

According to Prof. Subramaniam, the most crucial element was the specifically developed concrete, which was made to function well in environments with little oxygen, low humidity, and abrupt temperature changes. At IIT-H's state-of-the-art laboratories, they carried out a variety of tests, such as rheology studies and analyses of local sand and aggregate. As a result, they were able to create a blend that had exceptional strength, resistance, and durability.

Dhruv Gandhi, CEO of Simpliforge, said that the project's execution in Ladakh was a significant operational challenge for both machines and people. In less than twenty-four hours, the robotic printer was put into service. While low humidity and strong UV threatened material integrity, low oxygen had an impact on power systems and labor productivity. Nevertheless, they produced a strong framework in a record amount of time.