US Navy Successfully Deploys ADDiTEC 3D Printing on USS San Diego

3D Printing Technology Enhances Naval Operations
The US Navy has successfully deployed ADDiTEC’s ElemX 3D printer aboard the USS San Diego, marking a major milestone in military manufacturing. While the ship was docked in its home port of San Diego, sailors were able to produce essential, fully functional parts on demand using 3D printing technology. This capability is seen as a significant step forward in addressing logistical challenges at sea, allowing for faster repairs and reduced dependency on traditional supply chains.

Partnership Advances Additive Manufacturing at Sea
This achievement is the result of a collaboration between the Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) and the Consortium for Advanced Manufacturing, Research and Education (CAMRE). The partnership focuses on leveraging additive manufacturing (AM) to meet the unique needs of naval operations. The ElemX 3D printer, using Liquid Metal Jetting (LMJ) technology, has demonstrated its ability to produce durable, on-demand components, ensuring that naval fleets can maintain high operational efficiency even in remote environments.

Reliable, Efficient, and Mission-Ready Solutions
Both the NPS and CAMRE teams have praised the performance of the ElemX 3D printer, highlighting its ease of use and the high quality of the printed parts. According to Dr. Garth Hobson, Director at CAMRE, the technology has exceeded expectations and represents a significant enhancement to the Navy’s maintenance and repair capabilities while at sea.

Looking Forward: Hybrid Manufacturing Technologies
Brian Mathews, CEO of ADDiTEC, emphasized that the company remains committed to advancing LMJ technology, including its integration into the Hybrid Series, which combines both additive and subtractive manufacturing. This innovative system promises to offer even greater flexibility for naval operations in the future, ensuring mission readiness in all conditions.

The Navy first began working with Liquid Metal Jetting technology in 2021, and its ongoing collaboration with ADDiTEC is expected to further streamline military manufacturing processes, reducing downtime and increasing the fleet’s operational capabilities.