The crew of the USS Bataan (LHD 5) has recently completed the first metal 3D part fabrication and replacement for a de-ballast air compressor (DBAC) in only five days utilising a permanently installed metal 3D printer, with the help of the Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA).
A sprayer plate is a component of a DBAC, which is used to drive pressurised air through saltwater tanks to release the salt water that has been collected.
The tanks are filled in order to reduce a ship’s draught during amphibious operations. Producing the sprayer plate while at sea allowed the ship to reduce the time it took to get a new unit.
