HII Advances Shipbuilding With First 3d-printed Valve Manifold Assembly
$HII
Huntington Ingalls Industries (NYSE:HII) has achieved a significant milestone in shipbuilding technology by successfully installing the first valve manifold assembly created through additive manufacturing. This landmark development took place at its Newport News Shipbuilding division on the new construction aircraft carrier, Enterprise (CVN 80).
The valve manifold assembly, a critical component that distributes fluid to multiple points on the ship, measures about 5 feet in length and weighs approximately 1,000 pounds. It was installed in a pump room, showcasing the shipyard’s commitment to leveraging cutting-edge technologies to enhance construction efficiency and quality.
The assembly was produced in collaboration with DM3D Technology, highlighting a significant shift towards additive manufacturing over traditional casting methods. This innovation is part of a broader strategy to integrate 3D printing into the core shipbuilding processes, potentially revolutionizing the production and delivery of naval vessels.
The use of certified 3D-printed parts not only reduces lead times but also improves the manufacturing quality of essential components. This approach is expected to mitigate schedule risks and boost overall efficiency, with plans to employ similar manufacturing techniques for other parts like those planned for the Doris Miller (CVN 81).
Dave Bolcar, Vice President of Engineering and Design at Newport News Shipbuilding, emphasized the transformative impact of this technology. “What started as a proof of concept quickly turned into a tangible result that is making a meaningful difference to improve efficiencies in shipbuilding,” he stated.
The benefits of this innovation extend beyond the Enterprise, as the company plans to incorporate this expertise into the fundamentals of shipbuilding. To date, the shipyard has created over 55 additively manufactured parts installed on both new construction vessels and those currently in the fleet.
With an ambitious plan to install more than 200 additional parts this year, HII is setting a new standard in the industry. HII stands as a global, all-domain defense provider, dedicated to delivering powerful ships and comprehensive solutions that support peace and freedom worldwide.
The company’s workforce, based in Virginia, numbers 44,000 strong, underscoring its significant role in advancing US national security. This advancement in shipbuilding technology not only underscores HII’s commitment to innovation but also sets a new benchmark for the construction of naval vessels.
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