Auburn's Applied Research Institute delivers 3D-printed parts for the U.S. Navy during RIMPAC 2026

The Auburn University Applied Research Institute (AUARI) in Huntsville, Alabama, participated in the largest advanced manufacturing effort ever conducted during the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2026 exercise in Hawaii.

Through FLEETWERX, a nonprofit that connects industry, academia and government, AUARI coordinated with the Naval Postgraduate School’s Consortium for Advanced Manufacturing Research and Education (NPS CAMRE).

AUARI received multiple controlled digital files for antenna-bracket components for the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS), arranged and digitally “sliced” the models, then 3D-printed the parts on its Stratasys F900 system. The finished components were delivered to the U.S. Marines for evaluation and operational use.

“Through RIMPAC26, we have proved that Academic Institutions play a vital role in this advanced manufacturing ecosystem. Due to their inherent posture of pushing technological bounds and access to subject matter experts, they are well postured to meet flexible and low-volume production needs,” said Master Sgt. Mark Cureo of the 1st Maintenance Battalion, 1st Marine Logistics Group.

“During RIMPAC, we successfully demonstrated how we can use effective command and control, data-driven digital networks, and Advanced Manufacturing to get real-world parts into the hands of our warfighters. We were able to take a part request, request for the item to be 3D printed, and get it delivered within one week for installation on a HIMARS,” Master Sgt. Cureo said.

Luke Boyer, lead principal of AUARI’s advanced manufacturing division, led Auburn’s effort. He explained that 3D printing is particularly valuable in contested logistics environments—such as a forward-deployed location near the front line—where replacement parts may not be readily available.

“The total time from print-to-ship was only a few days,” Boyer said.

He added that producing the same parts would have taken weeks using traditional manufacturing methods.

"By tapping into non-traditional manufacturing capacity during increased threats of national security, we can alleviate the surge in demand on our shops and operators,” Master Sgt. Cureo said.

This marks Auburn’s first time participating in RIMPAC, the world’s largest international maritime exercise involving 31 nations, approximately 40 surface ships, five submarines, more than 140 aircraft, and over 25,000 personnel.

"We're proud to support RIMPAC and demonstrate how advanced manufacturing can rapidly deliver mission-critical parts in a contested logistics environment," Boyer said. "This project reinforces Auburn's role as a trusted resource to the U.S. Navy and the Department of War."