Recent Innovations in Additive Manufacturing for Marine Vessels

Abstract

The terms Additive Manufacturing (AM) and 3D printing describe several very different methods for producing 3-dimensional forms. AM technologies present new opportunities for the yacht design and small boat manufacturing sectors, particularly the Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) method. The design and construction of marine vessels present unique manufacturing challenges and opportunities for AM. While many AM methods are not well-suited for small boat manufacturing, some of these technologies are already being used by the marine industry. While AM technology is currently limited by the speed, scale, and material constraints of 3D printing materials and equipment, these technologies are being successfully scaled up for the marine industry by academic researchers and manufacturers. Additive Manufacturing technology will need to continue to advance in order to adapt itself to the complex material, structural, and mechanical requirements of the marine industry. The technical challenges that remain for large-scale AM to produce entire boats are the water-resistance of extruded materials, surface integrity (smoothness), the structural integrity of surface manifolds, and the integration of structural reinforcement systems.