Navy Approves First 3-D Printed Metal Part

The next time sailors on the carrier Harry S. Truman need a drain strainer orifice, they should be able to print one. Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) announced Oct. 11 that it has approved the process of printing the part using additive-manufacturing — 3D printing — during a one-year test period that began with the start of fiscal year 2019 on Oct. 1. It marks the first time the Navy has approved 3-D printing of a metal part used on ships.
A drain strainer orifice, or DSO, permits the drainage and removal of excess water from steam systems while they are in use. Before the approval, Navy engineers tested the printed part to ensure it would meet material, welding, shock, vibration, hydrostatic and operational steam requirements. Further tests will determine how well it functions under low temperature and while in a low-pressure saturated steam system. After parts complete testing, they will be removed and further evaluated.
In time, 3-D printing could produce many parts from sheet metal, plastics and other materials on vessels while they are underway. The need for stowing a litany of parts would be reduced, allowing for more efficient use of spaces on ships.