Dalhousie University Uses Metal AM for Canadian Submarine Readiness

Dalhousie University has partnered with the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) to leverage metal additive manufacturing (AM) for maintaining the mission readiness of Canada's submarines. This collaboration focuses on developing and implementing AM technologies to address obsolescence and improve the availability of critical spare parts for the Victoria-class submarines.

The university's Additive Manufacturing Lab is actively involved in creating and testing metal 3D-printed components. These parts are designed to meet the stringent requirements of naval applications, ensuring they can withstand the demanding operational environment of submarines. The project aims to reduce lead times for acquiring replacement parts, which can often be lengthy due to the age of the vessels and the specialized nature of their components.

By utilizing metal AM, Dalhousie University and the RCN are exploring ways to print parts on demand, potentially even in situ if required in the future. This approach not only speeds up the repair and maintenance process but also provides a more sustainable and cost-effective solution compared to traditional manufacturing methods, especially for low-volume, high-value components.