U.S. Military Increases Fleet Readiness With 3D Printing

The United States Navy is continuing its exploration into using additive manufacturing at sea and ashore. More specifically, at The Rim of the Pacific Exercise (RIMPAC) 2024), NPS students showed how 3D printing could be used to increase fleet readiness. Notably, they were able to show how additive manufacturing can be used for ship repair.

RIMPAC is the world’s largest international maritime exercise, held biannually on even-numbered years. This year, it took place between June 26th and August 2nd in and around the Hawaiian Islands. It is the 29th time the exercise has held place and was centered on the theme of being integrated and prepared with 29 nations, 40 surface ships, 3 submarines, 14 national land forces, over 150 aircraft and more than 25,000 personnel participating. This is what made it the perfect place to test the applications of technologies like additive manufacturing, especially when it comes to repairing parts on ships.

Retired Marine Corps Col. Patrick Tucker, Marine Corps Lt. Col. Michael Radigan, Navy Lt. Cmdr. Zachary Vrtis, Lt. Ashley Adams and Lt. Andrew Staley showcasing parts made with the XSPEE3D expeditionary cold spray printer (photo credits: NPS)

“Ship and submarine repair is one of our crucial focus areas,” explained Navy Lt. Cmdr. Zachary Vrtis, an engineering duty officer currently pursuing a doctorate in mechanical engineering with a dissertation focused on metal additive manufacturing. “We are working to implement advanced metal manufacturing to better supplement traditional fabrication methods, repair fleet assets quicker, and assist in revitalizing the submarine industrial base to meet production goals.”