The Machine Shop at the 101st Air Refueling Wing, a Maine Air National Guard unit based in Bangor, Maine, has added 3D printers capable of producing both plastic and metal parts for aircraft maintenance and other mission needs, following funding from ARCWERX, the Air National Guard’s innovation program.
The equipment has cut production timelines for certain components and let the shop respond more quickly to maintenance demands.
A recent three-day ARCWERX innovation workshop was held at Bangor Air National Guard Base, where Air National Guard members from multiple states collaborated, exchanged ideas and developed strategies for addressing challenges within their units.
The Machine Shop has used the printers to supply components not only for the 101st but also for other U.S. Air Force installations and other military branches, an example ARCWERX used to highlight how a single unit’s tools can support the wider Air National Guard.
International supply chain application
The 101st has also applied its 3D printing capability internationally through the State Partnership Program. ARCWERX launched the State Partnership Innovation Network, known as SPIN, in June 2025 as an education and support resource tied to that program.
Montenegro, Maine’s state partner, worked with the 101st on a 3D printing project that eased supply chain constraints for equipment parts used by Montenegro’s navy.
“The Maine Air National Guard has demonstrated a proof of concept that highlights how investments in innovation, education and emerging technology can produce lasting operational benefits while driving future innovation efforts across the force and with our partners,” said Captain Meaghanne Ruiz, Chief of the ARCWERX Education Branch.
