Electric Boat testing 3D printing for submarine parts

GROTON, Conn. (WTNH) — General Dynamics Electric Boat may soon be using 3D printing as part of the shipbuilding process for its nuclear-powered submarines.

General Dynamics and Newport News Shipbuilding have been looking for alternatives to the traditional copper-nickel casts.

General Dynamics Electric Boat designed a deck drain with 3D printing. They are currently working on the final assembly of this drain before it can be installed on USS Oklahoma.

Officials have said that this will help them to deliver orders for submarines faster in future as the main components of the ship can be made faster.