3YOURMIND and Phillips Corp Test Additive Manufacturing in RIMPAC 2026

Advancing Distributed Manufacturing: 3YOURMIND and Phillips Corporation at RIMPAC 2026 \\[LF]\\[LF] In a significant move to enhance military readiness and operational efficiency, 3YOURMIND, a 3D printing software developer, and Phillips Corporation Federal Division are collaborating in a distributed manufacturing experiment during the biennial Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercise. This event, scheduled from June 24 to July 31 around the Hawaiian Islands, aims to test a command-and-control system for coordinating production requests across a joint-force additive manufacturing (AM) network. The broader goal is to demonstrate the feasibility of delivering parts on-demand in operational environments. \\[LF]\\[LF] ### Software and Hardware Integration \\[LF]\\[LF] 3YOURMIND is providing its commercial off-the-shelf platform, which includes part identification, order management, and production planning, to manage the digital thread across participating units. This software is designed to orchestrate manufacturing requests and route production tasks in a fragmented asset environment. Phillips Corporation, on the other hand, will supply containerized hybrid AM technology, combining milling and 3D printing capabilities, aboard the USS Essex. This setup pairs a part assessment tool with a common operational picture to coordinate production decisions at sea. \\[LF]\\[LF] ### Implications for ASEAN Factories \\[LF]\\[LF] The success of this experiment has far-reaching implications for factories in ASEAN countries such as Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, and Malaysia. These nations are increasingly looking to adopt advanced manufacturing technologies to boost productivity and reduce lead times. The integration of 3D printing and distributed manufacturing can significantly enhance the agility and responsiveness of local manufacturing operations. For instance, Thai factories could leverage similar command-and-control systems to streamline their production processes, ensuring that parts are produced and delivered exactly when and where they are needed. Similarly, Vietnamese and Indonesian manufacturers could benefit from the ability to produce critical components on-demand, reducing inventory costs and improving overall efficiency. \\[LF]\\[LF] ### Preparatory Exchanges and Future Investment \\[LF]\\[LF] Before RIMPAC, 3YOURMIND and Phillips Corporation participated in two preliminary technical exchanges: Joint Inter-agency Field Experimentation (JIFX) at Camp Roberts in Monterey, California, and Valiant Shield in Okinawa, Japan. These exchanges were aimed at validating technical compatibility and operational feasibility ahead of the larger exercise. The research findings from RIMPAC will inform future investment decisions in distributed AM capabilities, with the Department of Defense's FY 2026 budget allocating $3.3 billion across programs involving AM, an 83% increase from the prior fiscal year. \\[LF]\\[LF] ### Conclusion \\[LF]\\[LF] The RIMPAC 2026 experiment represents a significant step forward in the operationalization of additive manufacturing for military readiness. For ASEAN factories, the lessons learned from this exercise can be applied to improve their own manufacturing processes. By adopting similar command-and-control systems and integrating 3D printing, factories in the region can achieve greater flexibility, reduce lead times, and enhance their overall competitiveness. As the global manufacturing landscape continues to evolve, staying ahead of the curve with these advanced technologies will be crucial for the success of ASEAN's industrial sector. \\[LF]\\[LF]