Robins AFB AM Lab Boosts Air Force Readiness

Robins Air Force Base’s small but advanced additive manufacturing team at the Warner Robins Air Logistics Complex is strengthening Air Force readiness by rapidly producing hard-to-source aircraft parts. The 402nd Commodities Maintenance Group’s Reverse Engineering, Additive, Design and Inspection (READI) Lab combines reverse engineering, 3D printing and specialized engineering services to sustain legacy platforms including the C-130, C-5, C-17, B-1, B-52, KC-135 and F-15.

What began about a decade ago with polymer printers expanded two years ago to include metal AM machines, broadening the lab’s mission and efficiency. The four-person team uses automated inspection, CAD modeling and both polymer and metal printing to recreate components when original suppliers are unavailable or small production runs are impractical. Reclaimed laser powder and qualification builds ensure material reuse and machine reliability.

READI engineers produce prototypes, tools and replacement parts faster and more affordably than traditional machining, often extending asset life through design tweaks and alternative materials. Their work bridges supply-chain gaps and delivers custom solutions tailored to operational needs. By improving speed, safety and accuracy in manufacturing processes, the READI Lab directly supports aircraft availability worldwide—keeping fleets mission-capable and meeting warfighter requirements.