The US Department of the Navy (DoN) based in the The Pentagon, has held a 3D Print-a-Thon to display innovative use of the technology. The 2017 event took place on the 15th March and saw 40 3D printing projects presented from over 20 different Navy and Marine Corps organizations.
Example objects include, “Explosive charges, fuel cells, sonobuoys, shipboard antennas, customized propellers, sensors, and valves” showing potential for how 3D printing such parts can save money and drastically reduce lead times. These aspects are of particular importance when working at sea, especially considering the potential of having a mobile fabrication laboratory.