Last year, the US Navy's research institute cooperated with Xerox to explore the possibility of using 3D printing in the navy. Now, their collaboration has taken a new step, with Xerox’s 3D printer being deployed on the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2).
For a long time, people have believed that by installing 3D printers on ships, ships can become more self-sufficient. Especially when a ship needs to replace a certain part when going to sea, it can be 3D printed, thus making the ship's spare parts more reliable. flexible.
According to reports, the 3D printing installed on Essex (LHD 2) is ElemX, which is one of the fastest printers on the market, thanks to its unique liquid 3D printing process. In addition, it is capable of printing aluminum parts with dimensions of 25.4 cm x 25.4 cm, including common parts like radiators, housings, fuel adapters, purge valves , valve covers, etc.
While the Essex has always had the ability to manufacture the small items needed on board, they expect 3D printers will expand their capabilities. Later, the U.S. Navy will test and evaluate the 3D printer under navigation (sea) conditions to determine its feasibility when going to sea. This is a long-term project for the Navy.
