First 3D metal part for US Navy vessel
Huntington Ingalls Industries’ Newport News Shipbuilding has delivered the first 3D-printed metal part for installation on the US Navy’s aircraft carrier USS Harry S Truman, the company announced on the 29 January.
The part – a piping assembly – will be evaluated for a one-year period onboard the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier. In 2018, NAVSEA approved the technical standards for 3D printing after extensive collaboration with the company and industry partners that involved the rigorous printing of test parts and materials, and extensive development of an engineered test programme.
Charles Southall, VP of engineering and design, Newport News Shipbuilding, said: ‘We are pleased to have worked so closely with our navy partners to get to the point where the first 3D metal part will be installed on an aircraft carrier.
‘The advancement of additive manufacturing will help revolutionise naval engineering and shipbuilding. It also is a significant step forward in our digital transformation of shipbuilding processes to increase efficiency, safety and affordability.’
You may also like
More from Naval Warfare
-
![What does Saab’s operations shake-up mean for its new ‘Naval’ chapter?]()
What does Saab’s operations shake-up mean for its new ‘Naval’ chapter?
Saab’s merger of its Kockums and Naval Combat Systems divisions into a single business area called Naval, effective 1 April 2026, aims to enhance efficiency, innovation and competitive positioning in the naval sector.
-
![Iran and the future of amphibious operations: crewed and uncrewed solutions]()
Iran and the future of amphibious operations: crewed and uncrewed solutions
Amphibious operations are a very unique type of military operation, and global defence industries are developing new solutions to enhance capabilities and efficiency.
-
![US Navy to acquire and test uncrewed surface vessel prototypes by the end of FY2026]()
US Navy to acquire and test uncrewed surface vessel prototypes by the end of FY2026
The new autonomous surface vessels are planned to be operationally fielded in FY2027, following the completion of on-water trials.
-
![Hanwha Ocean and TKMS are firming up their Canadian next-gen submarine proposals]()
Hanwha Ocean and TKMS are firming up their Canadian next-gen submarine proposals
CPSP competitors are proposing platforms fitted with advanced, next-generation capabilities to be built and sustained in cooperation with the Canadian industry.
-
![UK’s $1 billion AUKUS support request signals strong ongoing US collaboration]()
UK’s $1 billion AUKUS support request signals strong ongoing US collaboration
The latest foreign military sales request from the UK has implications for the future of the programme and collaboration between the three nations.
