Visionary Push has been reporting how 3D printers are used more and more frequently. For instance, 3D printers are already used to build parts and medical devices. They have even built prototype homes. In the future, they may build large construction projects - like apartment and office buildings - and bridges. There is little doubt the 3D printing industry will continue its explosive growth.
Today, an innovative 3D printing collaboration involving the U.S. Navy was announced. The Navy’s only designer and builder of air-craft carriers – Newport News Shipbuilding – announced an agreement to work with 3D Systems. Newport News Shipbuilding is also 1 of only 2 companies nationwide that build Naval submarines. The agreement with 3D Systems will involve the manufacture of both air-craft carriers and submarines.
Under the terms of the deal, 3D Systems will install an industrial 3D printer at the Newport News Shipbuilding facility. The printer will manufacture ship/submarine parts more efficiently and less expensively. Not every ship/submarine part will be 3D-printed, but significant amounts will be.
A 3D Systems rep explained: “This marks the first metal 3D printer installed at a major U.S. Navy shipyard. With this disruptive technology, Newport News has the potential to reinvent shipbuilding.”
The U.S. Navy is quickly adopting 3D printing. Currently, only 135 3D-printed parts have been authorized for use by the Navy. That number will increase to 1,000+ by 2019, according to the 3D Printing Industry website.