Revolutionizing Shipbuilding: The First Additively Manufactured Valve Manifold Assembly on a New Aircraft Carrier
NEWPORT NEWS, Va., March 04, 2025 – HII (NYSE: HII), a leading global provider of professional engineering and technical solutions, announced a significant milestone in the maritime industry today. Shipbuilders at its Newport News Shipbuilding division successfully installed the first valve manifold assembly created using additive manufacturing technology on a new construction aircraft carrier. This achievement represents a major leap forward in the application of additive manufacturing in large-scale shipbuilding.
What is Additive Manufacturing?
Additive manufacturing, also known as 3D printing, is a process of creating three-dimensional objects from a digital file. It involves adding material layer by layer until the object is complete. This technology has been gaining popularity in various industries due to its ability to produce complex geometries and custom parts with reduced material waste and shorter production times.
The Impact on Shipbuilding
The installation of the additively manufactured valve manifold assembly marks a pivotal moment for the shipbuilding industry. Traditional manufacturing methods for such components can be time-consuming and costly, involving numerous steps and the use of heavy machinery. Additive manufacturing, on the other hand, allows for the creation of intricate designs and custom parts in a more efficient and cost-effective manner.
Benefits of Additive Manufacturing in Shipbuilding
- Reduced Production Time: Additive manufacturing allows for the production of complex parts in a significantly shorter timeframe compared to traditional methods.
- Cost Savings: By reducing the need for expensive tooling and minimizing material waste, additive manufacturing can lead to substantial cost savings.
- Improved Design Flexibility: Additive manufacturing enables the creation of complex geometries and custom parts that would be difficult or impossible to produce using traditional methods.
- Increased Sustainability: The reduced material waste and energy consumption associated with additive manufacturing make it a more sustainable option for manufacturing.
How This Affects You
As a consumer, the application of additive manufacturing in shipbuilding may not have an immediate impact on your daily life. However, the technology’s potential to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and increase sustainability in the industry could lead to lower shipping costs, faster delivery times, and a greener transportation sector in the future.
How This Affects the World
The successful installation of the additively manufactured valve manifold assembly on a new aircraft carrier is a testament to the growing potential of this technology in large-scale manufacturing industries. This achievement could lead to a ripple effect, with other industries adopting additive manufacturing to improve their production processes and reduce costs. Furthermore, the increased efficiency and sustainability of shipbuilding could lead to a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and a more eco-friendly maritime industry.
Conclusion
The installation of the first additively manufactured valve manifold assembly on a new aircraft carrier by HII’s Newport News Shipbuilding division marks a significant milestone in the application of this technology in large-scale shipbuilding. Additive manufacturing offers numerous benefits, including reduced production time, cost savings, improved design flexibility, and increased sustainability. As the maritime industry continues to embrace this technology, consumers and the world at large may see improvements in efficiency, cost savings, and a greener transportation sector. The future of manufacturing is here, and it’s additive.
