BETHESDA, Md. –
In environments where distance can delay routine repairs, Marines traditionally rely on supply chains to deliver the parts needed to keep equipment operational. Now, a new capability is changing that dynamic.
The Advanced Integrated Mobile Machine Shop (AIMMS), developed with support from engineers in Carderock’s Advanced Manufacturing Branch, provided a deployable manufacturing capability to the III Marine Expeditionary Force in Okinawa, Japan. The effort enables Marines to fabricate and repair components on-site using additive manufacturing methods rather than waiting for external support.
Engineers completed the system in February 2026, along with new equipment training for Marine Corps machinists and fabricators. Together, they provide a mobile, expeditionary solution that combines traditional machining with advanced manufacturing techniques, including metal additive capabilities.
“AIMMS enables Marines to make parts that they weren’t able to before, in metal, at the point of need,” said Ryan Fisher, a mechanical engineer in Carderock’s Advanced Manufacturing Branch.
The system serves Marine Corps machinists and fabricators who maintain and repair equipment in operational environments. These Marines often solve material problems in real time, such as repairing damaged components, fabricating replacement parts, or modifying equipment to meet mission needs.
Previously, available materials, legacy equipment and the time required to source parts through traditional supply chains limited those efforts. AIMMS addresses those limitations by integrating multiple manufacturing capabilities into a mobile system, including computer numerical control (CNC) machining, welding, 3D scanning and hybrid manufacturing processes that combine additive and subtractive techniques.
“The reason everyone wants to do additive manufacturing in the Department of War is to reduce reliance on traditional supply chains,” Fisher said.
Fisher emphasized that in operational environments, the absence of a single component can halt repairs entirely, noting that “if you don’t have the part, you can’t do anything with it.”
With AIMMS, Marines can move beyond reliance on pre-stocked inventories and instead begin producing parts as needed. The system supports the use of digital design files, enabling users to create, modify, or reverse-engineer components using onboard tools. This gives Marines more flexibility in addressing maintenance challenges, particularly in remote or forward-deployed locations.
Transportable shelters house the system, which tactical vehicles can move and set up in operational environments. While not designed for rapid, on-the-move use, AIMMS provides a deployable alternative to traditional fixed machine shops, bringing advanced manufacturing capabilities closer to the point of need.
The systems were initially fielded to Okinawa and Camp Pendleton, California, as part of a field user evaluation. Marines in both locations began using the system immediately following training, producing parts and providing feedback to inform future iterations of the capability.
The training, conducted over about 1 1/2 weeks, introduces users to key system components, including metal additive processes, 3D scanning, and CNC operations. Feedback from early users helps shape future training enhancements as the program continues to mature.
AIMMS builds on earlier expeditionary fabrication efforts and aligns with broader Marine Corps priorities to enhance readiness, increase self-sufficiency and operate effectively in distributed environments. By enabling local production and reducing dependence on traditional supply chains, the capability supports faster, more adaptable operations.
As field user evaluation continues, Carderock engineers will work with Marine Corps partners to refine the system and expand its use across the fleet. The long-term goal is to provide Marines with a reliable, scalable capability that allows them to repair and fabricate critical components wherever missions take them.