A collaboration between Spanish engineering start-up V2 Group and Italy-headquartered 3D-printing specialist Caracol Additive Manufacturing (AM) has resulted in the production of a part-functional, 6m-long monolithic catamaran for open waters, produced entirely via robotic 3D-printing technology. While whole 3D-printed boats are not entirely new, the models produced to date – including a 9m ferry unit […]
The International Association of Classification Societies (IACS) has published a new recommendation, Rec. 186, which has been developed to help determine a standardised approach to integrating additive manufacturing (AM), AKA 3D printing, into marine and offshore applications. IACS comments: “AM has emerged as an alternative to traditional manufacturing processes by fusing materials to produce objects […]
Class society ABS is leading a project in Singapore to accelerate the adoption of additive manufacturing (AM, aka 3D printing) within the maritime sector. The project aims to develop a “model-based qualification framework” to streamline the approval process for AM parts to make it faster and cheaper – and thus more attractive to boatbuilders – […]
3D printing for marine applications is still in it nascent phase – although ambitious projects in the US, Denmark and the Netherlands are casting light on the potential for 3D-printed vessels. In October 2019, the world’s largest 3D-printed composite boat, the 3Dirigo, was assembled and launched by the Advanced Structures & Composites Center of the […]