Additive Manufacturing Presents Transformative Opportunities for the Dod, U.S. Navy

Additive manufacturing presents transformative opportunities for the Department of Defense (DoD), including the U.S. Navy. While the aerospace industry typically takes a decade or more to qualify a single material, the Navy is ambitiously aiming to certify nine material and print modality combinations within less than three years, all in parallel. This approach to AM qualification efforts significantly contrasts with those of other DoD branches. and underscores the Navy's commitment to integrating AM technologies swiftly and efficiently to meet urgent operational needs.

The Navy's strategy includes leveraging a low-risk memorandum for immediate part demands, enabling the rapid deployment of AM parts in the field while more rigorous certifications are pursued. This dual approach allows the Navy to address immediate operational requirements without compromising the long-term goal of achieving high certification standards. The ambitious goal of certifying Moonshot, level 1 Subsafe components reflects the Navy's determination to push the boundaries of AM adoption. These components, critical for submarine safety and functionality, represent the pinnacle of AM certification challenges due to their stringent requirements and the high stakes involved.

To further accelerate AM adoption, the Navy is collaborating with a university consortium focused on understanding material behavior specific to submarine applications. This partnership aims to bridge the gap between traditional manufacturing knowledge, which spans more than 60 years, and the innovative potential of AM. By harnessing academic expertise, the Navy seeks to develop a comprehensive understanding of material properties and performance, thus overcoming historical barriers to the adoption of new manufacturing technologies.

Summary, the Navy's aggressive AM qualification efforts contrast sharply with the more cautious approaches seen elsewhere in the DoD. By balancing immediate needs with long-term goals, and leveraging academic partnerships, the Navy aims to revolutionize its manufacturing capabilities and set a new standard for AM adoption within the defense sector.