Curtiss-Wright delivers first component for US Navy submarines

Curtiss-Wright has announced that its Engineered Pump Division (EPD) has delivered its first additively manufactured component to the US Navy’s submarine fleet. It is an impeller wheel manufactured using additive manufacturing technologies from Sintavia. This component was integrated into a pump, which was then extensively tested at the Curtiss-Wright site in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.

Additive manufacturing, often referred to as 3D printing, offers new possibilities for the production of complex components that are difficult or expensive to produce using conventional methods. This technology is playing a growing role in the defense industry in particular, as it shortens production times, increases quality and ensures flexible supply. The collaboration between Curtiss-Wright, Bechtel Plant Machinery Inc (BPMI) and Sintavia highlights the potential to manufacture critical components faster and more efficiently.

“Sintavia has proven to be an invaluable industry partner, and we are excited about the opportunity to further solidify our partnership by increasing the number of additively manufactured parts for this application and other critical naval defense components,” said David Micha, Sr. Vice President and General Manager of the EMS Division. “In addition, we are proud to be providing the first critical service equipment utilizing an additively manufactured component to the U.S. Navy’s submarine program and look forward to expanding these capabilities in the future to more efficiently serve our customer.”

With a company history dating back to 1847, Curtiss-Wright has extensive experience in the development of pumps and components for maritime applications. By integrating additive manufacturing methods, the company is expanding its capabilities to meet the increasing quality and delivery time requirements of the defense industry.

“We would like to thank both Curtiss-Wright and BPMI for the opportunity to leverage Sintavia’s additive technology in the production of this critical component,” said Lindsay Lewis, Sintavia’s Corporate Vice President. “Leading-edge manufacturing processes such as AM will continue to be key differentiators in developing superior defense components in the years to come.”