The Virginia-class submarine program is making strides in the additive manufacturing community. Newport News Shipbuilding recently installed its first metal 3D-printed part on a submarine, marking the first of many positive steps to integrate additive manufacturing into ship construction. Additive manufacturing, also known as 3D printing, is gaining attention as an alternate solution to traditionally procured materials.

“We’ve experienced challenges getting the right material in a timely manner since COVID,” explained Jamie Sample (O93), who ensures material availability for the Virginia-class submarine program. “Additive manufacturing is a lever we can pull to get material on time and improve schedules while executing it with excellence.”

NNS worked with Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) and other industry partners to complete the requisite approval steps necessary to install the copper-nickel deck drain assembly on a new construction submarine (read more about these early efforts by clicking here).

“If we can prove the potential on components like the drain assembly, without any depreciable effort, it gets our foot in the door for other opportunities to utilize additive manufacturing,” Sample said.

Zach Gaskins (K46) led the team responsible for installing the part. He said that his team experienced “no challenges other than those typically associated with the nature of this type of job.” The part being 3D printed was irrelevant to the installation process, and some didn’t even believe it was 3D printed.

“I am proud of all of the shipbuilders who have put in the extra effort to advance this state-of-the-art technology in shipbuilding. Doing something completely new is not easy,” said Josh Bruns (E66), who supported the printing of the part.

Parts produced through additive manufacturing help address material availability challenges head-on and support improving overall schedule performance.