In a significant milestone, Hunt Valve, a subsidiary of Fairbanks Morse Defense (FMD), has secured a contract from the Maritime Sustainment Technology and Innovation Consortium (MSTIC) to fabricate a groundbreaking 3D printed valve assembly for integration into U.S. Navy submarines. This achievement establishes Hunt Valve as a trailblazer in the defense industry, marking the debut of a 3D printed assembly aboard a U.S. submarine.
Utilizing additive manufacturing techniques, Hunt Valve aims to deliver a 70-pound valve assembly that meets or surpasses the quality standards achieved through traditional sand-casting methods, all while drastically reducing production time by approximately two-thirds. This innovative approach promises the Navy a product of unparalleled quality and efficiency.
Hunt Valve’s collaboration with MSTIC not only allows for the installation of the 3D valve on any U.S. submarine class but also signifies a substantial advancement in additive manufacturing’s role within the defense sector. The widespread adoption of additive manufacturing is anticipated to accelerate component production for the Navy fleet by up to 75%, presenting an enticing prospect for bolstering production efficiency and enhancing control over the defense industrial base supply chain.
The development of these valve assemblies is a collaborative effort between Hunt Valve and Lincoln Electric. While Lincoln Electric employs additive manufacturing, or 3D printing, to produce the valve body by stacking layers of copper-nickel, Hunt Valve utilizes traditional manufacturing methods to manufacture the remaining components and assembles them to create the final valve assembly. This innovative approach not only revolutionizes component fabrication but also underscores the commitment to excellence and advancement within the defense industry.
