Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) received complimentary reviews of a recently installed additive manufacturing (AM) 3-D printer on the Virginia-class attack submarine USS New Hampshire (SSN 778).
The printer, a Markforged X7 field edition, is a polymer-based additive manufacturing system capable of printing high-durability carbon fiber reinforced nylon. It was installed on USS New Hampshire in July 2022. As an AM product, the 3-D printer aids Sailors in maintaining forward deployment by allowing crews to unconventionally repair items such as pipe leaks and enclosures for new electrics in real-time, increasing self-sustainment abilities.