US Navy 3D prints functional parts with ADDiTEC’s ElemX

The US Navy has successfully utilized ADDiTEC’s proprietary Liquid Metal Jetting (LMJ) ElemX 3D printer to produce functional parts afloat. Recently, Navy sailors printed essential parts using the containerized ElemX 3D printer on the USS San Diego, while home-ported. The process proved to be remarkably efficient and straightforward, even in the challenging conditions of an active maritime environment. The printed parts were evaluated for quality and performance, with the results indicating that the components were both acceptable and fully functional for their intended applications.

“We are thrilled with the performance of the ElemX 3D printer,” said Dr. Garth Hobson, Director of the Consortium for Advanced Manufacturing, Research, and Education, at the Naval Postgraduate School, Monterey, California. “The ease of use and the quality of the printed parts exceeded our expectations. This technology represents a significant enhancement in our ability to maintain and repair equipment while at sea.”

The Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) and the Consortium for Advanced Manufacturing, Research, and Education (CAMRE) play a pivotal role in advancing the use of cutting-edge 3D printing technologies, particularly the ElemX 3D printer. This collaboration focuses on testing and researching innovative use cases that demonstrate the operational benefits of AM in naval environments. By leveraging the capabilities of the ElemX 3D printer, NPS and CAMRE have successfully developed and evaluated components and systems that can be produced on-demand at sea – directly addressing logistical challenges.

ADDiTEC has dedicated considerable efforts to refining the ElemX 3D printer’s capabilities to meet the stringent requirements of naval operations. Their focus on developing a robust and user-friendly solution has paid off, as evidenced by the successful implementation and positive feedback from US Navy sailors.

“We have worked tirelessly to ensure that our 3D printing technologies meet the specific needs of maritime operations, and we are working to continuously enhance their reliability and efficiency, ensuring they are fully mission-ready for any operational demands,” said Brian Mathews, CEO of ADDiTEC. “Seeing our efforts come to fruition with the successful printing of functional parts at sea is incredibly rewarding. We remain dedicated to our ongoing collaboration with the Navy, focusing on advancing LMJ technology within our innovative new Hybrid Series, which seamlessly integrates both additive and subtractive manufacturing capabilities into a single machine.

The ability to print high-strength aluminum alloy parts on demand represents a transformative shift in how the US Navy can manage its resources and address maintenance challenges. This advancement not only improves operational readiness but also reduces dependency on traditional supply chains to mitigate contested logistics scenarios providing a strategic advantage for expeditionary and distributed maritime forces.