Austal USA reports over 1,100 additively manufactured items at US Navy centre
Austal USA, Mobile, Alabama, has reported progress at the US Navy’s Additive Manufacturing Center of Excellence (AMCoE) in Danville, Virginia, where more than 1,100 items have been additively manufactured, with over 30 parts installed on Navy and Coast Guard vessels. The centre, managed by Austal USA, has also added 70 vetted suppliers to its Additive Manufacturing supply chain.
The figures were highlighted by Austal USA following a visit to the centre by Admiral Daryl Caudle, Chief of Naval Operations (CNO), on October 29.
Caudle was accompanied by John Perryman, Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy; Stefanie Link, Director, In-Service Submarines and Industrial Base; and Dr Justin Rettaliata, Submarine Industrial Base (SIB) Advanced Manufacturing.
During the visit, Austal USA’s Advanced Technologies team and other industry partners based at the AMCoE briefed the delegation on AM qualification activities and efforts to expand serial production capacity for maritime components.
Capabilities showcased during the tour included demonstrations of Laser Beam Powder Bed Fusion (PBF-LB), Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing (WAAM) and friction stir Additive Manufacturing, alongside heat treatment, metrology, inspection, post-processing, and non-destructive, mechanical and metallurgical testing. These capabilities were presented by AM professionals and students training at the centre.
The AMCoE aims to support the wider adoption of AM within the maritime industrial base by developing technical data for component qualification, connecting suppliers with original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), and preparing personnel for AM production and associated manufacturing processes.
Gene Miller, President of Austal USA, who participated in the visit, stated, “His engagement underscores the importance of advancing additive manufacturing, expanding serial production capacity, and preparing the skilled workforce needed to support the Navy’s future.”
Caudle also highlighted the centre’s contribution to workforce development, stating, “It’s tied to building the force we need across our Navy and so many critical areas from our shipyards to our regional maintenance facilities, all to become more self-sufficient as a Navy through these types of schools.”
