Curtiss-Wright’s EMS Division announced a major milestone with the delivery of the first submarine component featuring an additively manufactured (AM) impeller for installation on a U.S. Navy vessel. This groundbreaking component was developed through a collaboration between Curtiss-Wright’s Engineered Pump Division (EPD) in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania; Bechtel Plant Machinery Inc. (BPMI) in Monroeville, Pennsylvania; and Sintavia, LLC in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Utilizing advanced metal additive manufacturing, the impeller underwent a rigorous certification process at Sintavia before being integrated into a pump and tested at Curtiss-Wright’s facility.
Innovative Technology to Address Manufacturing Challenges
Additive manufacturing offers a revolutionary approach to producing complex and historically challenging parts, addressing issues such as high costs and long production times. This advanced technology not only ensures a reliable, high-quality domestic supply chain but also reduces lead times, enhances product quality, mitigates performance risks, and expedites delivery to meet the U.S. Navy’s stringent demands.
David Micha, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Curtiss-Wright’s EMS Division, emphasized the significance of this achievement:
“Sintavia has proven to be a valuable industry partner, and we are excited to further our collaboration to expand the use of additively manufactured parts for critical naval defense components. Providing the first additively manufactured service equipment for the U.S. Navy’s submarine program is a privilege, and we look forward to enhancing these capabilities in the future.”
Industry Partnership Driving Innovation
Sintavia, a leader in designing and producing critical AM defense components, played a key role in the project. Lindsay Lewis, Vice President of Corporate Development at Sintavia, highlighted the importance of such advanced manufacturing techniques:
“We are grateful to Curtiss-Wright and BPMI for this opportunity to leverage our additive manufacturing expertise for a vital submarine component. These cutting-edge processes will remain pivotal in the development of premium defense components in the years ahead.”
Curtiss-Wright’s Legacy of Excellence
With a heritage dating back to 1847, Curtiss-Wright’s EPD business unit has long served the naval and maritime sectors. Today, EPD is a global leader in pumps and components designed to meet the critical demands of surface and submersible fleets. The company also offers a range of services, including spare parts, composite pump components, and overhaul and upgrade support, solidifying its position as a trusted partner in naval defense innovation.
This milestone underscores Curtiss-Wright’s commitment to leveraging advanced technologies like additive manufacturing to deliver state-of-the-art solutions for the U.S. Navy and beyond.