HII’s Newport Information Shipbuilding (NNS) division and Common Dynamics Electrical Boat (GDEB) have superior efforts to combine additive manufacturing expertise into the shipbuilding course of for nuclear-powered submarines. Using licensed 3D printed elements has the potential to speed up the development and supply of submarines to the US Navy by reducing lead instances for crucial parts.

The businesses have centered on the supply and deployment of marine-based alloys, similar to copper-nickel, to supply an alternative choice to conventional copper-nickel castings. Not too long ago, a copper-nickel deck drain meeting was recognized as a candidate for the 3D printing resolution. Working with shipbuilding companion GDEB, and provider AMMCON on the mannequin and proof of idea, NNS efficiently created a copper-nickel deck drain half utilizing additive manufacturing. AMMCON is offering the ultimate machining and meeting of the half, earlier than it’s put in on Virginia-class submarine Oklahoma (SSN 802), to be delivered by NNS.

“As a frontrunner in additive manufacturing for shipbuilding, we’re aggressively in search of alternatives to search out methods to include this expertise into mainstream shipbuilding,” mentioned Dave Bolcar, Vice President of Engineering and Design at NNS. “This collaborative challenge leverages authorizations made by the Navy that streamline necessities for low-risk additive manufacturing elements. It’s doable as a result of foresight and longer-term improvement efforts by our engineers to deploy additive manufacturing marine alloys for shipbuilding.”

“Our submarine design and engineering groups are centered on working with our provide and building companions to hurry the adoption of modern applied sciences,” mentioned Megan Roberts, Vice President of High quality, Waterfront Engineering, Radiological Controls, and Fleet Assist for Common Dynamics Electrical Boat. “These first efforts to put in additive-manufactured elements on submarines show the expertise’s potential to dramatically scale back lead instances for crucial parts, which is able to allow us to ship extra submarines quicker, supporting the Navy’s fleet calls for.”

“We’re honored to contribute to the continued success of the Virginia-class submarine program on this modern means,” mentioned Darrell Develop, President of AMMCON. “As a longtime provider for nuclear-powered submarines, our workforce understands the significance of those nationwide safety belongings and stays dedicated to delivering the crucial elements wanted for his or her supply.”

This newest development in 3D printing follows HII’s announcement in March that NNS obtained certification and approval as a vendor for additive manufacturing parts on Naval Sea Programs (NAVSEA) platforms. The extremely digitized course of may result in value financial savings and lowered manufacturing schedules for naval ships.