In a recent development in boat manufacturing, Dutch innovator Maarten Logtenberg and his team at CEAD have successfully created a new material for 3D printing boat hulls. This material, a blend of thermoplastics and fiberglass, has demonstrated durability by withstanding a sledgehammer test with minimal damage. After two years of experimentation, CEAD has transitioned from solely providing large-format 3D printers to actively producing boat hulls.
Traditionally, boat construction has been labor-intensive, requiring molds and extensive manual labor to ensure strength and durability. However, the 3D printing process allows CEAD to automate approximately 90% of production, significantly reducing the time to print a hull from weeks to just six days. The first hull produced through this innovative method was completed in four days, marking a considerable advancement in manufacturing speed.
Logtenberg emphasizes that for 3D-printed boats to gain traction in the market, acceptance and certification will be key. As his company engages with European regulatory bodies, it faces the challenge of ensuring that these novel vessels meet rigorous safety standards. Similar efforts are underway at Raw Idea, a nearby company aiming to integrate 3D printing into the leisure boat market, particularly for rentals.
The marine industry’s extensive regulations necessitate ongoing dialogue with authorities to keep pace with technological changes. While 3D printing has seen success in areas like dentistry, its application in maritime manufacturing presents different hurdles. Experts indicate that while 3D printing technologies are evolving, the prospect of fully automating the production of large vessels may still be decades away, depending on ongoing material research and production scaling efforts.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c751xw96e9yo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss