What's Happening?
Snowbird Technologies, a Florida-based company, has successfully manufactured 316L stainless steel components aboard the USS Essex during the Rim of the Pacific Exercise (RIMPAC) 2026. This demonstration was part of a distributed manufacturing experiment
led by the Naval Postgraduate School’s Consortium for Advanced Manufacturing Research and Education. The SAMM Tech platform used laser-wire Directed Energy Deposition (DED) with nitrogen shielding gas to produce components, followed by CNC machining for final geometry and surface finish. This integrated system allows near-net-shape metal parts to be produced and finished without transferring them to separate equipment.
Why It's Important?
The successful demonstration of advanced manufacturing capabilities aboard a naval vessel highlights the potential for expeditionary manufacturing to reduce logistics burdens and improve readiness. By producing critical parts closer to the point of need, the military can enhance operational efficiency and sustain readiness in remote and resource-constrained environments. This capability is crucial as military logistics become increasingly distributed, allowing for rapid production and delivery of essential components.
What's Next?
Following the shipboard phase, the SAMM Tech platform was moved to Schofield Barracks in Hawaii to continue supporting distributed manufacturing activities. This transition allows for further evaluation of the platform in land-based operations, supporting a wider advanced manufacturing network involving joint and multinational participants. The ongoing development and testing of such technologies will play a significant role in future military operations.
