WASHINGTON, DC, April 24, 2025 —
So, 3D printing has been around for a while, right? And in the time it’s been here, folks have used it for some amazing creations – statues, toys, functioning guitars, medical devices, 3D models of cities, houses, and so much more. The ideas seem limitless. But, could you imagine this technology one day being used to create a functioning part for a Coast Guard Medium Endurance Cutter?
On 20 January 2025, the first “critical” metal Additively Manufactured (AM) part, as classified by Naval Sea System Commands (NAVSEA), was installed on the CGC Forward during an unplanned dry dock. Additively manufactured refers to the process of creating objects by adding material layer by layer, starting with a digital design, rather than subtracting material from a larger block. This process is commonly known as 3D printing. The metal AM part was the first installed on any Coast Guard asset and first critical AM part installed on any military surface asset. Printed on a laser powder bed fusion printer by the Navy’s AM Center of Excellence, the 15-inch stainless steel seal housing for the ship’s fin stabilizer unit and was printed as a joint Coast Guard and Navy effort. The part was approved through the Coast Guard Surface Forces Logistics Center (SFLC) with input from Navy metal subject matter experts. It will be assessed when CGC Forward is next dry docked. This part was a good use-case for AM as conventional sources of part supply were non-existent and traditional manufacturing would have been expensive due to the part’s geometry and stock material costs.
What exactly does the 15-inch stainless steel seal housing on the fin stabilizer unit do? These components are critical to preventing water intrusion around the stabilizer fins. If they fail, the ship is required to enter drydock, where it is stuck for the roughly 3-week turnaround time. With the supply of these parts being completely exhausted and the Coast Guard considering them a high priority asset, the close collaboration between Coast Guard, NAVSEA, and the AM Center of Excellence (COE) on this effort came at the perfect time.
With the integration of 3D printing into the Coast Guard, formerly scarce parts are now within reach again. Continuing the Coast Guard’s steps towards modernization, this effort can raise operational efficiency and create mutually beneficial relationships across services. In keeping with the Coast Guard’s motto, “Semper Paratus (Always Ready),” 3D printing is a great stride towards enhanced readiness and mission success.