China is typically quite secretive regarding their military techniques, though it is emerging that the People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy is deploying 3D printers onboard warships. The country has been working with 3D printers since 2001, and known uses include in fighter and stealth jets as well as commercial aircraft. The PLA Navy destroyer Harbin, stationed in the Bay of Aden in the Arabian Sea, recently suffered a broken part in the engine. The Harbin has a 3D printer in a special compartment on the ship, though, and was able to print out a new engine bearing to get up and running again quickly. Check out more information about the PLA Navy's use of 3D printing in the full article: http://3dprint.com/35981/china-pla-navy-3d-printing/


Below is a photo of the Harbin: