ASTM International, a global standards organization, has announced a strategic partnership with shipbuilder Austal USA and U.S. defense non-profit BlueForge Alliance. The collaboration aims to enhance the U.S. Navy’s additive manufacturing (AM) capabilities and fortify domestic supply chains for future submarine production.
The partnership will focus on creating a secure and efficient manufacturing system for producing new parts and through-life spares, all while leveraging ASTM’s globally recognized standards. By driving best practices for technical qualification and supplier activation, the collaboration seeks to meet the Navy’s stringent manufacturing requirements and advance innovation in 3D printing for defense applications.
“This partnership demonstrates the strength of combining international standards with rigorous Navy requirements to build a robust and qualified AM supply chain,” said Dr. Mohsen Seifi, ASTM International’s Vice President of Global Advanced Manufacturing Programs. He emphasized that the collaboration represents a major step forward in accelerating the adoption of additive manufacturing in the U.S. defense sector.
Addressing Supply Chain Challenges Amid Global Uncertainty
Amid growing global conflict, sustainability challenges, and disruptions to international shipping, the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) is expanding its use of additive manufacturing to build resilient and competitive domestic supply chains. This new partnership aims to play a pivotal role in meeting that demand by advancing the Navy’s AM capabilities.
ASTM’s Additive Manufacturing Center of Excellence (AM CoE) will lead efforts to develop a comprehensive supplier activation process in collaboration with Austal USA and BlueForge Alliance. The initiative will provide certification, training, and technical expertise to ensure suppliers meet the Navy’s strict regulatory and operational requirements. The phased onboarding approach will focus on upskilling workforces to achieve compliance with the Navy’s demanding AM standards and timelines.
Aligning with Broader Defense Initiatives of ASTM International
The partnership aligns with ASTM’s broader initiatives, including the recently launched Additive Manufacturing Certification Committee (AMCC). The AMCC, backed by over 25 leading 3D printing end-users, aims to create a standardized framework for qualifying AM supply chains across industries. By reducing the burden on suppliers and enabling scalability, the collaboration with BlueForge and Austal USA will directly support these efforts.
Dr. Scott Kasen, Director of Technology at Austal USA’s Advanced Technologies division, emphasized the importance of the partnership in addressing critical supply chain challenges. He stated that developing a qualified, compliant AM supply chain will ensure the Navy remains at the forefront of defense technology.
BlueForge Alliance, which has played a significant role in enhancing the Navy’s industrial base since 2022, has secured nearly $1.3 billion from the DoD to support the Navy’s supply chain modernization efforts. These funds have been used to expand workforce development, adopt advanced manufacturing technologies, and strengthen the U.S. submarine industrial base, including scaling AM capabilities.
With additional funding from a recent $951 million Navy award, the partnership is set to make a significant impact on the future of submarine production and the broader U.S. defense landscape, reinforcing the Navy’s competitive edge through advanced manufacturing technologies like additive manufacturing, robotics, and automation.
