On-board manufacturitng

U.S., U.K. Navies Expanding Experiments Using 3D Printing

For deployed naval forces, the key benefits of 3D printing are a shorter supply chain with reduced spares inventories (releasing space onboard ships for more valuable stores or equipment) and improved availability, according to Paul Jones, director of U.K.-based consulting firm Arke Ltd.

It could also significantly reduce the need for highly-trained fitters, he told USNI News, and allow the rapid production of custom-designed items for specific tasks that were not envisaged when the ship left port.

“3D printing is ideal for limited production runs, for instance if you want five [unmanned underwater vehicles] for a particular mission.