US Navy ready to accept some submarine parts and components created through additive manufacturing

The US Navy is introducing additive manufacturing and other technology to provide better maintenance for submarines like USS Scranton, shown here. (US Navy)

The US Navy (USN) is prepared to accept certain submarine parts and components that are created through additive manufacturing (AM), according to Vice Admiral Robert Gaucher, Pentagon Director Reporting Portfolio Manager Submarines (DRPM SUBS) and US Navy (USN) director of Submarine Programmes as well as Programme Acquisition Executive (PAE) Undersea.

“We're moving beyond approval of singular parts and moving to material-process combinations,” Vice Adm Gaucher told Janes on 10 August during a briefing about submarine programme management.

“You just have to verify that part is manufactured using the approved print process and material, then if you 3D print it, we can accept it,” Vice Adm Gaucher said, adding that this change will accelerate submarine work.

While the USN generally has begun to use more parts and components generated by additive manufacturing aboard other ships, there has been a reluctance to use such technology for submarine equipment because of safety concerns.

Work will be done to ensure that USN business accounting systems will recognise the components as being viable so they can be purchased, and there will be some additional tracking and review requirements for critical Submarine Safety (SUBSAFE) and Level I parts, Vice Adm Gaucher noted.

The change is part of a larger shift to how the USN could take advantage of AM processes for submarine work, according to Vice Adm Gaucher.

Part of the challenge for that change is trying to account for the time savings generated by AM, he said.