Bartlett Maritime uses 3D Printing for Marine Tools

Bartlett Maritime Corporation is partnering with Additive Engineering Solutions to provide 3D printed tooling and packaging for the shipbuilding industry. This is intended to increase efficiency in the maritime industry.

“AES is an impressive, entrepreneurial small business right here in Ohio that was first in the world to commercialize large format polymer additive manufacturing (LFAM) 3D printing of reinforced thermoplastic parts,” said Edward L. Bartlett, Jr., Bartlett Maritime Corporation’s founder and chief executive officer. “Entering into this strategic supplier agreement with AES will help us deliver the solutions the nation needs to address the crisis in submarine maintenance.”

“Our technologically advanced approach to LFAM part production pairs well with BMC’s inventive and unique approach to submarine maintenance,” said AES Founder and President Austin Schmidt. “Entering into this strategic supplier agreement with BMC, a fellow innovative Ohio company, fits perfectly with our special capabilities as a world leader in the LFAM industry.”

A key component of the collaboration is the development of LFAM 3D-printed assembly jigs, assembly aids and custom shipping containers. Currently, submarine components are mostly shipped in individually made, single-use wooden boxes. However, BMC and AES plan to develop reusable, rugged LFAM 3D-printed packaging for all component and equipment shipments. This would eliminate the current practice of wooden packaging, which is wasteful in terms of labor time, cost and materials.

With clientele such as Electric Boat, Boeing and Lockheed Martin, AES already has an impressive list of partnerships in the defense industry.

“AES has a proven track record of success working with partners in the defense industrial base,” Bartlett said. “The AES team shares our passion for innovative approaches as we work to give the men and women of America’s armed forces the gear they need to meet their mission.”

The cooperation is aimed at providing the best possible equipment for U.S. armed forces personnel. It remains to be seen what further innovations will emerge from this partnership.