Meltio technology used to repair US Navy vessel during RIMPAC 2024
December 18, 2024
During the 2024 Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercise, technology from Meltio, based in Linares, Spain, was used to additively manufacture a critical component for use on the USS Somerset, a San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock of the United States Navy. The operation was managed by Snowbird Technologies, Meltio’s sales partner in the United States.
By their nature, Naval operations are complex and often conducted far from shore-based support systems. Equipment failure in these environments can have serious consequences when critical systems are involved.
Shortly after the USS Somerset began its deployment at the start of RIMPAC 2024, its reverse osmosis pump malfunctioned. This pump is essential for the production of clean drinking water; without it, the ship’s ability to operate would have been compromised, potentially shortening its deployment.
Traditionally, replacing such a part would mean waiting weeks or months for the replacement, a delay which could have derailed Somerset’s mission. Using Snowbird Additive Mobile Manufacturing Technology (SAMM Tech) – which combines the Meltio’s wire-based Directed Energy Deposition (DED) build head with a FANUC-controlled CNC system – the crew was able to produce a replacement part in hours.
“What we didn’t expect was that we would have the opportunity to directly help ship readiness so soon, especially for something as mission-essential as a reverse osmosis pump, where if you run out of water you’re going to be coming home pretty quick,” stated Charles Wallace, a mechanical engineer from the Naval Postgraduate School.
To assess SAMM Tech’s effectiveness in securing military supply chains in the field, the trial focused on reducing the lead time for critical parts through a comprehensive end-to-end approach. The hybrid SAMM Tech technology allows components to be digitised and transformed into a computerised design that is sent to the machine. This addresses the challenges posed by volatile supply chains by enabling operators to build, mill and finish parts on-site, on-demand.
“If the crew had to rely on a replacement part without using Additive Manufacturing, it would have taken weeks or months,” stated Staff Sgt Jordan Blake, a member of the Marine Innovation Unit. “With this technology, we’ll have the new component printed and ready for installation before the order for a replacement would be completed.”
In addition, the additively manufactured components manufactured with the SAMM Tech require no additional post-processing or heat treatment, making the technology well suited to military applications wherein metal parts are needed at short notice. Further, the naval sector often requires bespoke parts for unique missions and ship configurations. Meltio’s technology enables crews to create complex, customised components.
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