Newport News Shipbuilding has installed its first 3D-printed valve manifold assembly on a new aircraft carrier under construction. The component, weighing 1,000 pounds and measuring approximately 5 feet in length, was placed in a pump room aboard the Gerald R. Ford-class carrier Enterprise (CVN 80). The installation represents a significant step in the company’s integration of additive manufacturing into naval shipbuilding.
The valve manifold assembly, manufactured in collaboration with DM3D Technology, serves to distribute fluid from a single source to multiple locations throughout the vessel. This successful implementation has led Newport News Shipbuilding to plan similar 3D-printed manifolds for the future carrier Doris Miller (CVN 81), moving away from traditional casting methods.
The shipyard’s progress in additive manufacturing is reflected in its growing portfolio of 3D-printed components. More than 55 additively manufactured parts have been installed on both new construction vessels and ships currently in service. The company plans to install over 200 additional 3D-printed parts this year.
HII’s Newport News Shipbuilding division, which previously received certification from Naval Sea Systems (NAVSEA) as an approved supplier for additive manufacturing components, sees the technology as a means to reduce lead times and enhance manufacturing quality. The process aims to accelerate vessel construction and delivery to the U.S. Navy.
Dave Bolcar, NNS vice president of engineering and design, stated: “What started as a proof of concept quickly turned into a tangible result that is making a meaningful difference to improve efficiencies in shipbuilding. The benefits of this innovation will extend well beyond Enterprise (CVN 80), as we incorporate our expertise in additive manufacturing into the fundamentals of shipbuilding.”
