Faster, lighter, cheaper: 3D printed yachts

Faster, lighter, cheaper: 3D printed yachts

3D printing already used in many industries, currently in the yacht building industry on a relatively small scale, but may soon become dominant. 3D printers the next generation is due later this year and will have the ability to print large-scale parts.

Benefits of 3D printing include fewer boat parts, reduced costs for personnel, equipment, construction tools, and less lead time. In addition, with the help of improved materials such as titanium, 3D printing creates significantly less waste compared to modern construction technologies.

During the presentation at 2017 Superyacht Design Symposium, Greg Marshall stated:

“Mixed production is a game changer. In the near future, we will be using 3D printing to create superior yachts, which will significantly reduce the amount of materials used and reduce our carbon footprint. "

“Typically, at a shipyard, you see between 15 and 20% raw material losses. With 3D printing, the loss would be around 2%, so this is a huge saving in material and labor. ”

Titanium, being lighter than steel, will increase the speed of the boat and make it possible to use fuel more efficiently. Titanium is non-corrosive and biocompatible, which automatically reduces operating costs.

This versatile metal can also be used in yacht interiors and then covered with absolutely any material, such as stone or wood veneer. Titanium is also unique in the field of fire protection, its melting point is 300 ° C higher than steel.

According to Marshall, in 2020 large-scale printers will greatly expand the possibilities 3D printing in the industry, and over the next 5 years after that, the yachting industry will print tenders for six-meter yachts in one go. Further, in the future, complete 45m yachts can be printed in 90 days, compared to the current time, which is 2 to 3 years.

Marshall added: "By 2030, we will probably be pretty close to 3D printing full-scale metal boat structures and then interiors."

27.07.2017