A 3D printing system is set to produce parts for the US Navy’s Nuclear Propulsion Program in move intended to revolutionise its supply chains.
Th Sapphire XC printer from Velo3D will be operated by ATI at its new metal additive manufacturing facility outside Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
Earlier this year, ATI won a contract from Bechtel Plant Machinery to support the development of highly engineered part solutions for advanced manufacturing methods, including metal additive manufacturing. Now 3D printing will produce parts previously produced through casting, reducing lead times and streamlining the supply chain.
According to Velo3D, conventional 3D printers often struggle to produce parts with overhanging features beyond 45 degrees without support structures. However, its technology offers the ability to produce parts with a wide variety of geometries with few to no supports, allowing it to produce parts that are traditionally cast and enabling more innovative designs to replace current components.
The US Navy currently operates approximately 300 vessels, many of which were commissioned decades ago. Along with the wider US Department of Defense, it has actively embraced additive manufacturing for its efficiency in supporting ageing equipment, enhancing combat readiness and reducing replacement part lead times.
Streamlining the supply chain
Additive manufacturing accomplishes this by enabling distributed supply chains and digital inventories, where manufacturers can produce parts within spec across any similar 3D printer calibrated for the same metal alloy.
The Sapphire XC is the first printer from Velo3D calibrated for stainless steel 415, an allow of iron, chromium and nickel that provides good tensile strength and corrosion resistance at a range of temperatures.
Brad Kreger, CEO at Velo3D, said: “[Bechtel] and ATI’s progressive approach to 3D printing is extremely forward-thinking and this new, revolutionary facility will significantly augment the US Navy’s supply chain for maintenance, repair and operations.”
Joe Thompson, general manager of ATI Additive Manufacturing Products, added: “ATI will be able to more easily additively produce complex parts with fewer support structures, at lower angles and larger sizes than ever before. This enables us to broaden the scope of possible part designs for our defence and aerospace customers, enabling higher performance and better quality. The business opportunity represented by these previously unproduceable part designs is significant.”
