Shipbuilding company HII is allowed to use 3D-printed parts in its shipyards

Additive manufacturing has made its way to the US Navy. The service has allowed Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII) to use 3D-printed components in its shipyards.

Here's What We Know

HII has officially announced that it has received approval to use a stainless steel alloy known as 316/316L to manufacture pipe fittings designed for aircraft carriers and submarines. The company believes this will open the door to the widespread use of additive manufacturing on naval platforms.

3D printing in the context of the defence industrial base has been a long and not the quickest process. The military brass have discussed additive manufacturing as one way of strengthening the supply chain.

Additive manufacturing is supposed to enable sailors to speed up the pace of solving technical problems on landing ships, for example. An HII spokesman said that at least one 3D printer was able to perform well during tests on an aircraft carrier.

Source: Breaking Defense