Fonon AM Technology to Advance Naval Industry

Fonon Corp., a multi-market holding company, R&D center, equipment designer and manufacturer of advanced laser material processing systems for subtractive and additive manufacturing, highlights applications for its Bulk-To-Shape (BTS) additive manufacturing/3D metal printing technology for the naval industry. This BTS technology is currently being developed by Fonon and has not been fully commercialized.

Fonon's BTS systems, when fully developed, will be able to provide naval operators with a solution to produce parts, components and tools on demand. As production material, users would recycle obsolete parts or raw materials into fully functional components. Essential machinery would undergo expedited repairs while at sea, enabling continued operation or, if necessary, “limp home” capabilities.

Different types of vessels, including small craft, warships and submarines, can use BTS systems aboard ships to provide critical spare parts, ensuring continuous operation without the need for shore-based resupply or returning to port. This capability offers logistical advantages for nations that can effectively use AM technology in a marine environment. Examples of onboard AM-printed components include handles, pump housings, tools and pressure fittings.

When fully actualized, Fonon's BTS system will be capable of recreating a three-dimensional model through a combination of conventional laser additive manufacturing with original metal powder production. Fonon's 3D laser metal printing systems will utilize a layered, digitally-driven additive manufacturing process that directs high-quality, focused laser energy to fuse metal powder into 3D objects. Production-quality parts and metal prototypes will be capable of being BTS-manufactured directly from a digital model and raw material or used parts.

Fonon's BTS systems will empower users to optimize existing part designs for enhanced performance and reliability, while minimizing material waste.

Sources: Press materials received from the company and additional information gleaned from the company’s website.