Waterfront Sailors attended the Navy’s Additive Manufacturing symposium to learn about 3D printing and additive manufacturing (AM) at Naval Station Norfolk, Oct. 11.

The symposium, hosted by Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) and Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR), is a one-day event to educate and inform the fleet about a new AM initiative and explain how AM is being used to increase readiness. 

Attendees were able to discuss new policies and learn how additive manufacturing helps Sailors address challenges and initiate solutions aboard ships.

3D printing and other AM methods are being used to drastically increase the speed of execution, improve readiness, decrease costs and avoid shipping parts around the world. The Navy’s vision is to more quickly respond to the ship’s needs and identify and design a needed part within days or hours. AM initiatives are helping our Navy save time and money and increase operational availability of our systems.    

“Readiness is key for the fleet,” said Capt. Jason Bridges, Navy’s AM Efforts Coordinator. “The ability to make things where commands need them ready for today is the ultimate goal. AM has helped planes get back up into the sky; hangar bay doors back operational, etc. And all in a timely manner, right then and there.”

“Hopefully every ship, working with systems commands, will be outfitted with an AM plant which will allow them to be able to print parts they need faster than ordering them through their supply chain,” said Bridges. “We want to enhance readiness and fill new capabilities.” 

AM is focused on saving time and money. 

During the symposium, AM experts spoke with more than 50 Sailors about new policies, the allowed list or “green box” for items that are approved to be printed using AM, logistics, engineering and safety.

“The key is for the Sailors to use the technology to fundamentally make the Navy more ready and lethal,” said Bridges.

Another AM Symposium will be held at Naval Station Mayport, Oct. 16.

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