HII Installs First Additively Manufactured Valve Manifold Assembly on Aircraft Carrier at Newport News Shipbuilding
HII (NYSE: HII) has achieved a significant milestone by installing the first additively manufactured valve manifold assembly on an aircraft carrier at Newport News Shipbuilding. The 5-foot-long, 1,000-pound assembly was installed in a pump room on the Gerald R. Ford-class aircraft carrier Enterprise (CVN 80).
The company collaborated with DM3D Technology to manufacture the manifold body using 3D printing technology. This innovation is expected to accelerate vessel construction and delivery to the U.S. Navy by reducing lead times and enhancing manufacturing quality. Similar manifolds planned for Doris Miller (CVN 81) will utilize additive manufacturing instead of traditional casting methods.
Newport News Shipbuilding has already installed over 55 additively manufactured parts on both new construction vessels and existing fleet ships. The division plans to install more than 200 additional parts this year, building on its certification as a supplier for additive manufacturing components on Naval Sea Systems (NAVSEA) platforms.
HII (NYSE: HII) ha raggiunto un traguardo significativo installando il primo assemblaggio di manifold per valvole prodotto additivamente su una portaerei presso Newport News Shipbuilding. L'assemblaggio lungo 5 piedi e del peso di 1.000 libbre è stato installato in una sala pompe sulla portaerei della classe Gerald R. Ford, l'Enterprise (CVN 80).
L'azienda ha collaborato con DM3D Technology per produrre il corpo del manifold utilizzando la tecnologia di stampa 3D. Questa innovazione è destinata ad accelerare la costruzione delle navi e la loro consegna alla Marina degli Stati Uniti, riducendo i tempi di attesa e migliorando la qualità della produzione. Manifolds simili previsti per la Doris Miller (CVN 81) utilizzeranno la produzione additiva invece dei metodi di fusione tradizionali.
Newport News Shipbuilding ha già installato oltre 55 parti prodotte additivamente su navi di nuova costruzione e su navi della flotta esistente. La divisione prevede di installare oltre 200 parti aggiuntive quest'anno, facendo leva sulla sua certificazione come fornitore di componenti per la produzione additiva sulle piattaforme del Naval Sea Systems (NAVSEA).
HII (NYSE: HII) ha logrado un hito significativo al instalar el primer conjunto de colector de válvulas fabricado aditivamente en un portaaviones en Newport News Shipbuilding. El conjunto de 5 pies de largo y 1,000 libras fue instalado en una sala de bombas en el portaaviones de clase Gerald R. Ford, el Enterprise (CVN 80).
La empresa colaboró con DM3D Technology para fabricar el cuerpo del colector utilizando tecnología de impresión 3D. Se espera que esta innovación acelere la construcción y entrega de buques a la Marina de los EE. UU. al reducir los tiempos de espera y mejorar la calidad de fabricación. Los colectores similares planificados para el Doris Miller (CVN 81) utilizarán fabricación aditiva en lugar de métodos de fundición tradicionales.
Newport News Shipbuilding ya ha instalado más de 55 piezas fabricadas aditivamente en buques de nueva construcción y en barcos de la flota existente. La división planea instalar más de 200 piezas adicionales este año, aprovechando su certificación como proveedor de componentes de fabricación aditiva en plataformas del Naval Sea Systems (NAVSEA).
HII (NYSE: HII)는 뉴포트 뉴스 조선소에서 항공모함에 최초로 적층 제조된 밸브 매니폴드 조립체를 설치하여 중요한 이정표를 달성했습니다. 5피트 길이와 1,000파운드 무게의 조립체는 제럴드 R. 포드급 항공모함인 엔터프라이즈(CVN 80)의 펌프실에 설치되었습니다.
회사는 DM3D Technology와 협력하여 3D 프린팅 기술을 사용하여 매니폴드 본체를 제조했습니다. 이 혁신은 리드 타임을 줄이고 제조 품질을 향상시켜 미국 해군에 대한 선박 건조 및 인도를 가속화할 것으로 예상됩니다. 도리스 밀러(CVN 81)에 계획된 유사한 매니폴드는 전통적인 주조 방법 대신 적층 제조를 사용할 것입니다.
뉴포트 뉴스 조선소는 이미 새로운 건조 선박과 기존 함대 선박에 55개 이상의 적층 제조 부품을 설치했습니다. 이 부서는 올해 200개 이상의 추가 부품을 설치할 계획이며, 해군 해양 시스템(NAVSEA) 플랫폼에 대한 적층 제조 부품 공급업체로서의 인증을 기반으로 하고 있습니다.
HII (NYSE: HII) a atteint un jalon significatif en installant le premier ensemble de manifold de valve fabriqué par ajout sur un porte-avions à Newport News Shipbuilding. L'ensemble de 5 pieds de long et pesant 1 000 livres a été installé dans une salle de pompes sur le porte-avions de classe Gerald R. Ford, l'Enterprise (CVN 80).
L'entreprise a collaboré avec DM3D Technology pour fabriquer le corps du manifold en utilisant la technologie d'impression 3D. Cette innovation devrait accélérer la construction et la livraison des navires à la Marine américaine en réduisant les délais et en améliorant la qualité de fabrication. Des manifolds similaires prévus pour le Doris Miller (CVN 81) utiliseront la fabrication additive au lieu des méthodes de coulée traditionnelles.
Newport News Shipbuilding a déjà installé plus de 55 pièces fabriquées par ajout sur des navires de nouvelle construction et des navires de la flotte existante. La division prévoit d'installer plus de 200 pièces supplémentaires cette année, s'appuyant sur sa certification en tant que fournisseur de composants de fabrication additive sur les plateformes du Naval Sea Systems (NAVSEA).
HII (NYSE: HII) hat einen bedeutenden Meilenstein erreicht, indem es die erste additiv gefertigte Ventilmanifold-Anlage auf einem Flugzeugträger bei Newport News Shipbuilding installiert hat. Die 5 Fuß lange und 1.000 Pfund schwere Anlage wurde in einem Pumpenraum des Gerald R. Ford-Klasse Flugzeugträgers Enterprise (CVN 80) installiert.
Das Unternehmen arbeitete mit DM3D Technology zusammen, um den Manifold-Körper mit 3D-Drucktechnologie herzustellen. Diese Innovation soll den Bau und die Lieferung von Schiffen an die US Navy beschleunigen, indem sie die Vorlaufzeiten verkürzt und die Fertigungsqualität verbessert. Ähnliche Manifolds, die für die Doris Miller (CVN 81) geplant sind, werden additive Fertigung anstelle traditioneller Gießmethoden nutzen.
Newport News Shipbuilding hat bereits über 55 additiv gefertigte Teile sowohl an neu gebauten Schiffen als auch an bestehenden Flotteneinheiten installiert. Die Abteilung plant, in diesem Jahr mehr als 200 zusätzliche Teile zu installieren und dabei auf ihre Zertifizierung als Lieferant für additive Fertigungskomponenten auf Naval Sea Systems (NAVSEA) Plattformen aufzubauen.
- Implementation of innovative 3D printing technology reduces production lead times
- Certified supplier status for NAVSEA platform components
- Successful installation of 55+ 3D-printed parts with 200+ more planned
- Technology expected to improve manufacturing efficiency and quality
- None.
Insights
HII's installation of the first additively manufactured valve manifold assembly on the Ford-class carrier Enterprise (CVN 80) marks a significant technological leap in naval shipbuilding. This 1,000-pound component showcases the practical application of advanced manufacturing for mission-critical systems, not just cosmetic or non-essential parts.
The operational benefits are substantial. By transitioning from traditional casting to additive manufacturing for these manifolds, HII can reduce lead times and minimize schedule risk – important advantages when building multi-billion dollar vessels with complex supply chains. For the upcoming Doris Miller (CVN 81), all similar manifolds will use this approach, suggesting HII has validated both the performance and economic case for wider implementation.
With 55 additively manufactured parts already installed fleet-wide and plans for 200+ additional parts this year, HII is systematically transforming its production methodology. Beyond the immediate application, this represents a fundamental shift in how specialized components are manufactured, particularly those with complex internal geometries that benefit most from 3D printing's capabilities.
This advancement builds on HII's existing certification as an approved supplier for additively manufactured components on NAVSEA platforms, indicating the technology has already cleared significant regulatory hurdles – no small achievement in naval manufacturing where quality standards are exceptionally stringent.
HII's successful implementation of additive manufacturing for critical valve components demonstrates the company's commitment to production modernization – a key differentiator when competing for naval contracts. The Defense Department has been pushing contractors to adopt advanced manufacturing techniques to improve efficiency and reduce costs, and HII appears to be answering this call effectively.
The broader strategic implications are noteworthy. By developing expertise in creating certified 3D-printed components for naval vessels, HII is building competitive barriers that could be difficult for rivals to overcome quickly. The company's collaboration with DM3D Technology suggests a pragmatic approach to innovation – partnering where necessary rather than attempting to develop all capabilities in-house.
For investors, this represents HII's ability to evolve its manufacturing processes while maintaining its position in the specialized naval construction market. The Navy faces significant budgetary constraints while needing to expand fleet size – contractors who can deliver vessels more efficiently stand to capture greater market share. With each additively manufactured component, HII reduces dependency on traditional suppliers and casting processes that often represent schedule bottlenecks.
While a single valve manifold won't dramatically alter HII's financial performance, the cumulative effect of systematically replacing traditional components with additively manufactured alternatives across multiple vessels could meaningfully impact construction timelines and operational efficiency over the next several years.
NEWPORT NEWS, Va., March 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- HII (NYSE: HII) announced today that shipbuilders at its Newport News Shipbuilding division have successfully installed the first valve manifold assembly created by additive manufacturing technology on a new construction aircraft carrier.
NNS continues to integrate additive manufacturing, also known as 3D printing, into the shipbuilding process. The use of certified 3D-printed parts has the potential to accelerate construction and delivery of vessels to the U.S. Navy by cutting lead times and improving manufacturing quality for critical components.
The valve manifold assembly, a specialized assembly that allows distribution of a single source of fluid to multiple points on the ship, is installed in a pump room on Gerald R. Ford-class aircraft carrier Enterprise (CVN 80). The assembly, which is approximately 5 feet long and 1,000 pounds, reflects the shipyard’s pursuit of all opportunities to support construction using additive manufacturing. NNS collaborated with DM3D Technology to manufacture the manifold body.
With the completion of this evolution on Enterprise (CVN 80), similar manifolds planned for Doris Miller (CVN 81) will employ additive manufacturing rather than traditional casting methods, reducing schedule risk and improving efficiency.
Photos accompanying this release are available at: http://hii.com/news/hii-installs-first-additively-manufactured-valve-manifold-assembly-on-aircraft-carrier-at-newport-news-shipbuilding/.
“What started as a proof of concept quickly turned into a tangible result that is making a meaningful difference to improve efficiencies in shipbuilding,” said Dave Bolcar, NNS vice president of engineering and design. “The benefits of this innovation will extend well beyond Enterprise (CVN 80), as we incorporate our expertise in additive manufacturing into the fundamentals of shipbuilding.”
This latest advancement in the development and deployment of additive manufacturing builds on NNS’ prior certification and approval as a supplier for additive manufacturing components on Naval Sea Systems (NAVSEA) platforms. To date, the shipyard has created more than 55 additively manufactured parts installed on both new construction vessels and those currently in the fleet, with plans to install more than 200 additional parts this year.
About HII
HII is a global, all-domain defense provider. HII’s mission is to deliver the world’s most powerful ships and all-domain solutions in service of the nation, creating the advantage for our customers to protect peace and freedom around the world.
As the nation’s largest military shipbuilder, and with a more than 135-year history of advancing U.S. national security, HII delivers critical capabilities extending from ships to unmanned systems, cyber, ISR, AI/ML and synthetic training. Headquartered in Virginia, HII’s workforce is 44,000 strong. For more information, visit:
- HII on the web: https://www.HII.com/
- HII on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TeamHII
- HII on X: https://www.twitter.com/WeAreHII
- HII on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/WeAreHII
Contact:
Todd Corillo
Todd.T.Corillo@hii-co.com
(757) 688-3220
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/f9352a1f-207f-40c9-b3e1-4833f2f0113f
FAQ
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