A Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarine USS Columbia (SSN 771) / Image source: DVIDS
In an era where cutting-edge technology can make the difference between success and failure, the United States Navy is leading the way in embracing 3D printing, or additive manufacturing, to enhance the production and maintenance of its submarines.
Rear Admiral Jonathan Rucker recently emphasized the pivotal role of additive manufacturing during a House Armed Services Subcommittee hearing.
This groundbreaking approach is revolutionizing submarine construction, ensuring timely delivery, and bolstering the Navy’s capacity to maintain its fleet.
The Need
The US Navy’s ambitious goals include building one Columbia-class and two Virginia-class submarines annually.
To achieve this, they seek additional funding and authority from Congress, with the White House proposing $3.4 billion in supplemental funding.
A significant portion, around $2 billion, is earmarked to support the submarine industrial base, including the development of technologies such as additive manufacturing.
The rationale behind this push for additive manufacturing is clear – the Navy is struggling to obtain critical parts on time, and shipyards are striving to avert further production delays. The service not only aims to prevent delays but also to increase submarine production.
With their expanded objectives and the need for rapid innovation, the importance of additive manufacturing in submarine construction cannot be overstated.
In an era where cutting-edge technology can make the difference between success and failure, the United States Navy is leading the way in embracing 3D printing, or additive manufacturing, to enhance the production and maintenance of its submarines.
Rear Admiral Jonathan Rucker recently emphasized the pivotal role of additive manufacturing during a House Armed Services Subcommittee hearing.
This groundbreaking approach is revolutionizing submarine construction, ensuring timely delivery, and bolstering the Navy’s capacity to maintain its fleet.
The Need
The US Navy’s ambitious goals include building one Columbia-class and two Virginia-class submarines annually.
To achieve this, they seek additional funding and authority from Congress, with the White House proposing $3.4 billion in supplemental funding.
A significant portion, around $2 billion, is earmarked to support the submarine industrial base, including the development of technologies such as additive manufacturing.
The rationale behind this push for additive manufacturing is clear – the Navy is struggling to obtain critical parts on time, and shipyards are striving to avert further production delays. The service not only aims to prevent delays but also to increase submarine production.
With their expanded objectives and the need for rapid innovation, the importance of additive manufacturing in submarine construction cannot be overstated.
3D Printing in Action
During the hearing, Admiral Rucker illustrated the Navy’s commitment to 3D printing by highlighting specific examples.
Already this year, the Navy has begun installing 3D-printed parts on ballistic missile submarines, ensuring that construction schedules are met.
For instance, a critical valve that was facing a two-year delay was reverse-engineered and 3D-printed to ensure it would be available by January, supporting the timely construction of the submarine.
This practical application of additive manufacturing showcases its ability to mitigate construction setbacks, reduce lead times, and increase the Navy’s efficiency in maintaining its fleet.
Challenges and Collaborative Efforts
While the potential of 3D printing is undeniable, challenges remain.
Representative Jack Bergman expressed concerns regarding integration and collaboration across various stakeholders. It’s not just about defense ministers making decisions; it’s also about the coordination required among the workers responsible for building these submarines.
For additive manufacturing to succeed, a seamless and efficient exchange of information is imperative.
However, the US Navy is actively working to address these concerns. Admiral Rucker mentioned the existence of an additive manufacturing consortium and center of excellence in Danville, Virginia – a hub for collaboration, knowledge sharing, and innovation.
The service has also made strides in international cooperation, with Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States forming the trilateral agreement known as AUKUS. This partnership offers opportunities for shared expertise and resources, further enhancing the development of additive manufacturing technologies.
The AUKUS Connection
AUKUS, the trilateral agreement between Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States, plays a significant role in the Navy’s additive manufacturing efforts.
The Navy’s program executive office for attack submarines is housed in the same building as the AUKUS integration office, facilitating close collaboration between these entities.
This synergy is essential for streamlining research and development efforts and ensuring a unified approach to this type of manufacturing.
One notable participant in the Navy’s additive manufacturing consortium is AML.3D, an Australian company. The collaboration extends to the technical aspects of the process, with both US and Australian experts working together to improve processes, specialized data packages, and the efficiency of 3D printing.
AML3D’s $2M US Navy Deal: Revolutionizing Submarine Supply Chains with Additive Manufacturing (#ASX : #AL3) – StockHound @AML3DL
This partnership demonstrates the global potential of additive manufacturing and its ability to unite nations in pursuit of military innovation.
Benefits
The incorporation of 3D printing technology in submarine construction offers numerous benefits to the US Navy. Some of the key advantages include:
Timely Construction. The ability to produce critical components on demand reduces construction delays, ensuring that submarines are completed on schedule.
Customization. 3D printing allows for the rapid production of custom parts tailored to the specific needs of each submarine, enhancing performance and functionality.
Cost-Efficiency. While the initial investment in 3D printing technology is significant, it ultimately reduces production costs by eliminating the need for large warehouses filled with spare parts.
Sustainability. Additive manufacturing minimizes waste, as it produces only the parts required, reducing the environmental impact of military operations.
Innovation. The rapidly evolving field of 3D printing allows for continuous improvement in component design and performance.
The Road Ahead
As the US Navy moves forward with its ambitious goals of increasing submarine production, additive manufacturing will remain a critical component of its strategy.
The allocation of significant funding and the establishment of an additive manufacturing consortium underscores the Navy’s commitment to this innovative approach.
Collaborative efforts with international partners and the incorporation of 3D printing within the AUKUS agreement showcase the global relevance of this technology.
The lessons learned from shared experiences and innovations will not only benefit the US Navy but also contribute to the advancement of naval technology on a broader scale.
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The US Navy’s embrace of 3D printing in submarine construction is a testament to its commitment to technological advancement and efficiency.
The integration of additive manufacturing is set to revolutionize the way submarines are built, making it possible to meet production goals, reduce delays, and ensure the sustainability and competitiveness of the service’s submarine fleet.
This innovative approach not only enhances the Navy’s capabilities but also strengthens its collaborative ties with international partners, laying the foundation for a brighter and more secure maritime future.
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