Developing reusable, rugged LFAM 3D-printed packaging

Bartlett Maritime Corp. (BMC) is teaming with Additive Engineering Solutions (AES) to develop 3D printed parts to support Bartlett’s work in building capacity and capability for America’s submarine industrial base.

“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,” says Edward L. Bartlett, Jr., BMC’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,” says 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.”

The agreement between BMC and AES includes LFAM 3D printed assembly fixtures, jigs, and custom shipping containers, or dunnage.

Currently, submarine components typically ship using individually fabricated, single use wooden crates.

Adopting an innovative approach used in other manufacturing industries, BMC and AES intend to develop reusable, rugged LFAM 3D-printed packaging for all component and equipment shipments. These custom packages will reduce shipping damage and contamination of components with foreign materials. It will also eliminate waste of labor, costs and material refuse involved in the current wooden crating practice.

LFAM 3D printed assembly fixtures and jigs similarly will significantly reduce the cost and production time for specialized assembly tools.

“AES has a proven track record of success working with partners in the defense industrial base,” Bartlett says. “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.”

Current and past AES customers include Electric Boat and other divisions of General Dynamics, Boeing, Northrop Grumman, Raytheon Technologies, the U.S. Air Force, Lockheed Martin, and Anduril. AES manufactures key components of the body of Anduril’s Dive-LD unmanned underwater vehicles.