Electric Boat is working to integrate 3-D printing technology into its nuclear-powered submarine construction work, a process that could lead to the faster delivery of such parts for less money.

The company on Monday said a copper-nickel deck drain part previously identified as a candidate for creation via the 3D printing process, or additive manufacturing technology, is expected to be installed on the USS Oklahoma (SSN-802), a Virginia-class submarine under construction by the Newport News Shipbuilding division.

The AMMCON company will provide final machining and assembly of the part before its delivery.

“These first efforts to install additive-manufactured parts on submarines demonstrate the technology’s potential to dramatically reduce lead times for critical components, which will enable us to deliver more submarines faster, supporting the Navy’s fleet demands,” said Megan Roberts, EB’s vice president of quality, waterfront engineering, radiological controls and fleet support, in a news release.