HII Installs First Additively Manufactured Valve Manifold Assembly on Aircraft Carrier at Newport News Shipbuilding

Rhea-AI Summary

HII (NYSE: HII) has achieved a significant milestone by installing the first additively manufactured valve manifold assembly on an aircraft carrier at Newport News Shipbuilding. The 5-foot-long, 1,000-pound assembly was installed in a pump room on the Gerald R. Ford-class aircraft carrier Enterprise (CVN 80).

The company collaborated with DM3D Technology to manufacture the manifold body using 3D printing technology. This innovation is expected to accelerate vessel construction and delivery to the U.S. Navy by reducing lead times and enhancing manufacturing quality. Similar manifolds planned for Doris Miller (CVN 81) will utilize additive manufacturing instead of traditional casting methods.

Newport News Shipbuilding has already installed over 55 additively manufactured parts on both new construction vessels and existing fleet ships. The division plans to install more than 200 additional parts this year, building on its certification as a supplier for additive manufacturing components on Naval Sea Systems (NAVSEA) platforms.

Positive

• Implementation of innovative 3D printing technology reduces production lead times
• Certified supplier status for NAVSEA platform components
• Successful installation of 55+ 3D-printed parts with 200+ more planned
• Technology expected to improve manufacturing efficiency and quality

Negative

• None.

NEWPORT NEWS, Va., March 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- HII (NYSE: HII) announced today that shipbuilders at its Newport News Shipbuilding division have successfully installed the first valve manifold assembly created by additive manufacturing technology on a new construction aircraft carrier.

NNS continues to integrate additive manufacturing, also known as 3D printing, into the shipbuilding process. The use of certified 3D-printed parts has the potential to accelerate construction and delivery of vessels to the U.S. Navy by cutting lead times and improving manufacturing quality for critical components.

The valve manifold assembly, a specialized assembly that allows distribution of a single source of fluid to multiple points on the ship, is installed in a pump room on Gerald R. Ford-class aircraft carrier Enterprise (CVN 80). The assembly, which is approximately 5 feet long and 1,000 pounds, reflects the shipyard’s pursuit of all opportunities to support construction using additive manufacturing. NNS collaborated with DM3D Technology to manufacture the manifold body.

With the completion of this evolution on Enterprise (CVN 80), similar manifolds planned for Doris Miller (CVN 81) will employ additive manufacturing rather than traditional casting methods, reducing schedule risk and improving efficiency.

Photos accompanying this release are available at: http://hii.com/news/hii-installs-first-additively-manufactured-valve-manifold-assembly-on-aircraft-carrier-at-newport-news-shipbuilding/.

“What started as a proof of concept quickly turned into a tangible result that is making a meaningful difference to improve efficiencies in shipbuilding,” said Dave Bolcar, NNS vice president of engineering and design. “The benefits of this innovation will extend well beyond Enterprise (CVN 80), as we incorporate our expertise in additive manufacturing into the fundamentals of shipbuilding.”

This latest advancement in the development and deployment of additive manufacturing builds on NNS’ prior certification and approval as a supplier for additive manufacturing components on Naval Sea Systems (NAVSEA) platforms. To date, the shipyard has created more than 55 additively manufactured parts installed on both new construction vessels and those currently in the fleet, with plans to install more than 200 additional parts this year.

About HII

HII is a global, all-domain defense provider. HII’s mission is to deliver the world’s most powerful ships and all-domain solutions in service of the nation, creating the advantage for our customers to protect peace and freedom around the world.

As the nation’s largest military shipbuilder, and with a more than 135-year history of advancing U.S. national security, HII delivers critical capabilities extending from ships to unmanned systems, cyber, ISR, AI/ML and synthetic training. Headquartered in Virginia, HII’s workforce is 44,000 strong. For more information, visit:

• HII on the web: https://www.HII.com/
• HII on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TeamHII
• HII on X: https://www.twitter.com/WeAreHII
• HII on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/WeAreHII

Contact:

Todd Corillo
Todd.T.Corillo@hii-co.com
(757) 688-3220

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/f9352a1f-207f-40c9-b3e1-4833f2f0113f

FAQ

What is the significance of HII's first 3D-printed valve manifold assembly installation?

The installation marks a major advancement in shipbuilding technology, potentially accelerating construction and delivery times to the U.S. Navy while improving manufacturing quality.

How many 3D-printed parts has HII installed on naval vessels to date?

HII has installed over 55 additively manufactured parts on both new and existing fleet vessels, with plans to add 200+ more parts this year.

What are the specifications of HII's new 3D-printed valve manifold assembly?

The assembly is approximately 5 feet long and weighs 1,000 pounds, designed for installation in a pump room on the Enterprise (CVN 80).

How will HII's 3D printing technology benefit future aircraft carriers like the Doris Miller (CVN 81)?

Future carriers will benefit from reduced schedule risk and improved efficiency by using additive manufacturing instead of traditional casting methods.