USS Truman first carrier to install Afloat Fab Lab

NORFOLK, Va., Nov. 19 (UPI) -- The U.S. Navy's Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Truman became the first carrier to install a miniature Fabrication Laboratory.

A Fabrication Laboratory, or Fab Lab, is a small-scale technical workshop comprised of off-the-shelf, industrial-grade fabrication and electronics tools, including 3-D printing technology. Navy officials say the workshop will help sailors become more innovative.

"Ten years from now, these 3D printers may be standard equipment on ships," said Truman Maintenance Officer Cmdr. Al Palmer in a statement. "We look forward to seeing how our Sailors respond to this new capability."

In addition to 3-D printing technology, Truman's new lab consists of a desktop Computerized Numerical Control mill, a large flat screen monitor, wireless keyboard and mouse. The printer is capable of building objects of a variety of sizes and shapes from polymers. Truman sailors have been training in the Mid-Atlantic Regional Maintenance Center's Fab Lab since November 10, familiarizing themselves with 3-D rendering programs, soldering basics, and electronic component instruction.

"I think this mini Fab Lab opens up a lot of doors for quality of life issues and productivity," Truman Machinery Repairman 2nd Class Raymond Lee said. "With the addition of this mini Fab Lab people can come be creative, improve their work life, and thus be more productive."

Mid-Atlantic Regional Maintenance Center commanding officer Capt. Steven Stancy added the Fab Lab aims to empower warfighters to use creative thought to solve issues in the workspace.