Fairbanks Morse Defense’s Hunt Valve secures a milestone contract from the Maritime Sustainment Technology and Innovation Consortium (MSTIC) to manufacture a groundbreaking 3D printed valve assembly for U.S. Navy submarines. This innovative approach establishes Hunt Valve as a leader in additive manufacturing within the defense sector.
Andrew Pfister, Vice President of Aftermarket and Product Development at Fairbanks Morse Defense, highlights the significance of employing additive manufacturing with copper-nickel for large valve production. The process not only enhances product quality but also significantly reduces lead times, marking a substantial advancement for the industry.
Traditional manufacturing methods have posed challenges for producing submarine components, particularly those made of copper-nickel. However, with 3D printing, Hunt Valve achieves higher first-time yields, expediting production and delivery timelines. This contract is expected to accelerate component production for the Navy fleet by up to 75%, strengthening the defense industrial base supply chain.
The collaboration between Hunt Valve and Lincoln Electric underscores the importance of innovative technologies in overcoming supply chain challenges. Through additive manufacturing, the Navy aims to increase production efficiency, reduce dependency on overseas shipping, and achieve strategic goals of fleet expansion.
The utilization of additive manufacturing for submarine components represents a significant leap forward in defense manufacturing capabilities. Hunt Valve’s pioneering efforts in this realm signify a transformative shift towards greater efficiency and control in naval production processes.
