BLUF

3D-printed metal parts are poised to become standard in new-construction submarines, but technology maturity, qualification, and certification challenges remain.

Summary

KEY POINTS:
  1. One Columbia- and two Virginia-class planned per annum.
  2. 50 or more advanced manufacturing sites planned for the U.S., with potential expansion to Australia and the United Kingdom.
  3. Additive Manufacturing Center of Excellence coordinating and helping companies adopt metal additive manufacturing.
READ: Manufacturing woes could sink US sub fleet. Can 3D printing save it?

References