HII Receives Additive Manufacturing Approval from Naval Sea Systems Command

Rhea-AI Summary

HII (NYSE: HII) announced its Newport News Shipbuilding division has received certification to supply additive manufacturing components to Naval Sea Systems (NAVSEA). This approval allows for the use of 3D printing to create pipefittings and other parts for aircraft carriers and submarines. NNS aims to leverage this technology to improve efficiency and affordability in naval engineering. Since the initial delivery of a 3D-printed part in 2019, NNS has expanded its capabilities and is pursuing broader approvals for additive manufacturing. The new certification specifically covers stainless steel (316/316L) components.

Positive

• Certification received to supply additive manufacturing components to NAVSEA.
• Use of 3D printing expected to enhance efficiency and reduce costs in naval engineering.
• NNS is pursuing broader approvals for additional additive manufacturing applications.

Negative

• None.

NEWPORT NEWS, Va., March 07, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Global all-domain defense partner HII (NYSE: HII) announced today that its Newport News Shipbuilding division recently received approval as a vendor to provide some additive manufacturing components to Naval Sea Systems (NAVSEA) platforms.

The certification enables NNS to use additive manufacturing, or 3D printing, to fabricate pipefittings or other potential components for use on aircraft carriers, submarines and other NAVSEA platforms.

“Innovation is driving our business transformation at Newport News Shipbuilding,” NNS Vice President of Engineering and Design Dave Bolcar said. “Our continued advances in additive manufacturing are revolutionizing naval engineering and shipbuilding. This will continue to propel our progress in efficiency, safety and affordability as we remain steadfast in our mission to deliver the critical ships our Navy needs to protect peace around the world.”

Photos accompanying this release are available at: https://hii.com/news/hii-receives-additive-manufacturing-approval-from-naval-sea-systems-command-2023/.

In 2018, NAVSEA approved the technical standards for 3D printing after extensive collaboration with HII and industry partners that involved the rigorous printing of test parts and materials, extensive development of an engineered test program and publishing of the results.

The first 3D-printed metal part, a piping assembly, was delivered to the U.S. Navy for installation on the NNS-built USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) in January 2019. Since then, NNS has received approval for several other metal 3D-printed parts on U.S. Navy ships of varying criticality.

This most recent certification is for stainless steel (316/316L grade) additively manufactured pipefittings. NNS is also pursuing approvals that will enable broader use and implementation of additive manufacturing across the naval enterprise. The highly digitized process could lead to cost savings and reduced production schedules for naval ships.

NNS is the only builder and refueler of nuclear-powered U.S. Navy aircraft carriers and one of just two shipyards building nuclear-powered submarines for the Navy.

About HII

HII is a global, all-domain defense partner, building and delivering the world’s most powerful, survivable naval ships and technologies that safeguard our seas, sky, land, space and cyber.

As America’s largest shipbuilder and with a more than 135-year history of advancing U.S. national defense, we are united by our mission in service of the heroes who protect our freedom. HII’s diverse workforce includes skilled tradespeople; artificial intelligence, machine learning (AI/ML) experts; engineers; technologists; scientists; logistics experts; and business professionals. Headquartered in Virginia, HII’s workforce is 43,000 strong. For more information, visit:

• HII on the web: https://www.HII.com/
• HII on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TeamHII
• HII on Twitter: 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/8ba241ec-d50b-4c0e-b457-b02bfff7ef79

FAQ

What is HII's recent certification achievement in additive manufacturing?

HII's Newport News Shipbuilding division received certification from NAVSEA to supply additive manufacturing components, specifically for pipefittings.

How does HII plan to use additive manufacturing?

HII plans to use additive manufacturing to fabricate components for NAVSEA platforms, enhancing efficiency and affordability in naval shipbuilding.

What materials are included in HII's new certification for additive manufacturing?

The new certification includes stainless steel (316/316L) additively manufactured pipefittings.

When did HII first deliver a 3D-printed part to the U.S. Navy?

HII delivered its first 3D-printed metal part to the U.S. Navy in January 2019.

What is the significance of the approval received by Newport News Shipbuilding?

The approval signifies a major advancement in HII's capability to use 3D printing technology, potentially leading to cost savings and reduced production schedules.