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Oct 26, 2024

Liquid metal jetting breakthrough in printing high-strength aluminum alloy | Engineer Live

Additive manufacturer ADDiTEC’s liquid metal jetting (LMJ) was the used by the US Navy in maritime operations in the ElemX 3D printer to produce functional parts. LMJ was specifically designed for

Additive manufacturer ADDiTEC’s liquid metal jetting (LMJ) was the used by the US Navy in maritime operations in the ElemX 3D printer to produce functional parts. LMJ was specifically designed for high-strength aluminum alloys such as AL-6061.

Essential parts have been printed onboard the USS San Diego using containerised ElemX 3D printer while ported in San Diego. The process was efficient and straightforward even in maritime environment conditions. Quality and performance evaluations took place on board, with the result being the parts were suitable for use.

The naval postgraduate school (NPS) and the consortium for advanced manufacturing, research and education (CAMRE) helped the advancement of 3D printing technologies. The collaboration focused on testing and researching innovative cases which could benefit naval operations. By using ElemX 3D printer along with NPS and CAMRE research, components can be produced on demand at sea to aid any logistical issues.

Dr. Garth Hobson, director of the CAMRE, at the NPS, Monterey, California said: "We are thrilled with the performance of the ElemX 3D printer. The ease of use and the quality of the printed parts exceeded our expectations. This technology represents a significant enhancement in our ability to maintain and repair equipment while at sea."

Reducing downtime and enabling faster repairs allows for ships to have enhanced operational capacity, becoming more efficient. Further research also investigates wider uses of 3D printing in the Navy’s needs, showing its role in supply chains or in remote or combat settings.

ADDiTEC has worked on refining the ElemX 3D printer’s capabilities to allow it to operate in naval capacities. The aim of creating a robust and user-friendly system has allows the US Navy to implement the technology, resulting in positive feedback from sailors.

Brian Mathews, ADDiTEC’s CEO said: "We have worked tirelessly to ensure that our 3D printing technologies meets the specific needs of maritime operations, and we are working to continuously enhance their reliability and efficiency, ensuring they are fully mission-ready for any operational demands.”

Mathews added: "Seeing our efforts come to fruition with the successful printing of functional parts at sea is incredibly rewarding. We remain dedicated to our ongoing collaboration with the Navy, focusing on advancing LMJ technology within our innovative new Hybrid Series, which seamlessly integrates both additive and subtractive manufacturing capabilities into a single machine.”

The US Navy can readdress resource allocation and maintenance challenges thanks to the ability to now print high-strength alloy parts on demand. This ability reduces the demand on traditional supply chain, reducing the chances of logistics hindering the US Navy, giving the maritime forces a strategic advantage.