Taking a Closer Look at 3D Printing Applications in the Maritime Sector

It is common knowledge that additive manufacturing is helping the conquest of space, but did you know it can also be found in our oceans? From 3D printed boat propellers to submarine parts and metal keels, the applications of 3D printing in the maritime sector are numerous. Some ships are even equipping themselves with 3D printers so that their crew can design components on demand quickly, all in the middle of the ocean. Today, we’d like to take a look at some of the projects that have relied on 3D technologies to develop their solutions for the maritime industry at large – please note that we have deliberately excluded 3D printed ships from the list.

The US Navy and 3D Printing for Submarine Spare Parts

You have certainly heard by now that one of the major applications for additive manufacturing is to create spare parts. And the US Navy certainly sees the benefits of using the technology for this purpose. Back in February 2022, the Navy announced that to ease the burden on their supply chain, they would be pairing suppliers who were not able to keep up with demand with 3D printing companies in order to make parts for their Columbia-class ballistic missile submarine program. Currently, it is focusing on using AM for parts centered around castings, forgings and fittings as demand has sharply decreased.

The attack submarine Chicago receives repairs (photo credits: Dave Amodo/U.S. Navy)

Mapping the Arctic Seafloor

The Canadian company, International Submarine Engineering (ISE), is using Sciaky’s 3D electronic additive manufacturing technology (EBAM) to produce a Titanium Variable Ballast (VB) tank, which will reduce both time and cost of the process of mapping the Arctic seafloor.