Navy Installs First Welded 3D-Printed Flange on In-Service Submarine
Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Maine announced it has inspected, tested, and installed a welded additively manufactured flange aboard the USS Washington (SSN 787). The inspection and testing were completed on 9 March, with installation following on 18 March.
According to the shipyard, this marks the first time a copper-nickel flange produced using additive manufacturing has been welded at a public naval shipyard, and one of the first such components installed on an in-service submarine.
The effort followed a directive issued by Vice Adm. Robert Gaucher, then commander of Submarine Forces, to accelerate additive manufacturing adoption across the submarine force. Engineering and planning teams at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard identified the flange as a candidate for additive manufacturing to meet an operational need on the Washington.
The shipyard worked with a maritime industrial base center of excellence to procure the 3D-printed component, which was then delivered for inspection.
The flange underwent testing and inspection to verify compliance with the required standards. At the same time, engineering and trade teams completed weld qualification for the material, a necessary step for shipboard use.
“The unique nature of this momentous achievement is a testament to the strong teaming and innovation that PNSY is known for,” said Capt. Jesse Nice, shipyard commander. “For the first time, we forged a submarine component that met the fleet’s most rigorous technical specifications.”
The installation represents an early example of a welded, additively manufactured component used on a nuclear-powered submarine and reflects broader efforts to expand manufacturing capabilities within the Navy’s industrial base.
“Portsmouth Naval Shipyard is leading the organic industrial base in the production and installation of additively manufactured submarine components,” said Capt. Jason Deichler, commodore, Submarine Squadron Two. “This is truly a war-fighting enabler and a key component to enhanced undersea readiness.”
US Navy/John Narewski
US Navy/John Narewski
