Spreading Awareness of Additive Manufacturing

The special design guide shown here was printed via fused deposition modeling (FDM) using TPU, a soft flexible rubber-like material. FDM is a subcategory of additive manufacturing where a thermoplastic filament is heated, extruded through a nozzle, and deposited layer by layer to build the desired object.

Spreading Awareness of Additive Manufacturing

Published March 5, 2025

A new initiative will allow Newport News shipbuilders to take advantage of the capabilities offered by additive manufacturing (AM).

Headed by Advanced Manufacturing (E66), the initiative will encourage employees to request the use of AM within shops and facilities to fabricate tools, fixtures, jigs, test equipment and more in order to increase efficiency, productivity and reduce costs. All requests must follow specific guidelines. For example, the item or assembly:

Cannot be a permanent installation on any ship.
Cannot be used in any high temperature/high pressure systems.
Must be used at least once.

Submit a request to E66, and for additional comments, questions, or concerns, contact Matthew R. Clark (E66) at 757-534-4126.