Navy approves first 3-D-printed metal component to be used on CVN-75

The Navy has approved the first additively manufactured metal component to be used onboard an aircraft carrier, the service announced today.

"A prototype drain strainer orifice (DSO) assembly will be installed on USS Harry S. Truman (CVN-75) in fiscal year 2019 for a one-year test and evaluation trial," the statement said. "The DSO assembly is a steam system component that permits drainage/removal of water from a steam line while in use."

Huntington Ingalls Industries, which builds the Navy's aircraft carriers, proposed the prototype be installed onboard the ship, according to the statement.

"This install marks a significant advancement in the Navy's ability to make parts on demand and combines NAVSEA's strategic goal of on-time delivery of ships and submarines while maintaining a culture of affordability," said Rear Adm. Lorin Selby, NAVSEA chief engineer and deputy commander for ship design, integration and naval engineering.

Following the evaluation period, the prototype will be removed for analysis and inspection, according to the statement.

Earlier this year, the Ford-class aircraft carrier John C. Stennis (CVN-74) became the first Navy ship to receive an additive manufacturing lab with four 3-D printers, a 3-D scanner, laser cutter and a computer numerical controlled (CNC) milling machine, Inside the Navy reported in August.