The US Office of Naval Research has signed a $2,6 million contract to develop technology solutions that will ensure the manufacturability of metallic parts from additive manufacturing (AM), also known as 3D printing, machines. 

The USN sees additive manufacturing as a necessary factor to cut back on the time and costs for delivering quality metallic components. The President and CEO, Concurrent Technologies Corporation Edward J. Sheehan said in response to emerging needs, his company and its integrated project team members were providing new technology that could address the short- and long-term challenge of replacing aging or broken parts 'literally on site'. Additive manufacturing is a way out to produce small quantities of out-of-production or long lead-time metallic components at a reduced cost.