NPS Students Use 3D Printing to Support Navy Readiness

– Students and faculty from the Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) showcased innovative expeditionary advanced manufacturing techniques during the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) and Trident Warrior 2024 exercises. A team of ten students from the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, and Army collaborated with the Consortium for Advanced Manufacturing and Research (CAMRE) and FLEETWERX to test cutting-edge additive manufacturing technologies both at sea and on land, producing essential repair parts with immediate operational relevance. Dr. Emre Gunduz, an associate professor at NPS and technical director at CAMRE, emphasized the importance of applying academic knowledge in real-world scenarios. The team utilized a Snowbird machine, housed in a 10-foot container aboard the USS Somerset, alongside advanced polymer printers designed by Naval Information Warfare Center Pacific. This setup enabled the production of critical components, demonstrating the potential for rapid repairs in naval operations. A notable achievement was the successful repair of a reverse osmosis pump aboard Somerset, which allowed the ship to continue its participation in the exercises. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Michael Radigan highlighted the shift from conceptualizing innovative solutions to executing them effectively, showcasing the Department of Defense's ability to produce metal parts in days rather than months. Navy Capt. emphasized that this advanced manufacturing technology is vital for enhancing operational readiness and self-sufficiency at sea. The collaboration between NPS and Commander Naval Surface Forces is fostering experimentation and education in advanced manufacturing, ultimately benefiting the Navy, Marine Corps, and joint forces.