"After two years of experimentation, the material was finally right: a particular mix of thermoplastics and fibreglass that is strong, has no need of extra coating to protect it from sunlight, and is resistant to fouling and marine growth. The perfect base, says Mr Logtenberg, from which to 3D print a boat. Boats need to withstand the unforgiving nature of the marine environment."
"It's the kind of story that 3D printing has long promised. A quick, labour-saving production process that drastically reduces costs. Those promises haven't always been fulfilled but Mr Logtenberg is convinced that the maritime sector is one where 3D printing, also known as additive manufacturing, can play a transformational role. Mr Logtenberg is the co-founder of CEAD, a company that designs and builds large-format 3D printers at its base in the Dutch town of Delft."
CEAD developed a thermoplastic–fibreglass composite that resists sunlight, fouling and impact, enabling direct 3D printing of boat hulls. A sledgehammer test showed the material's strength after two years of experimentation. The company’s large-format printers produced a hull in four days and now prints one hull each week, automating about 90% of the boat-building process. CEAD shifted from selling printers to manufacturing boats to stimulate market acceptance and supply capacity. The approach eliminates moulds, reduces labour intensity, and promises faster, lower-cost maritime production using additive manufacturing tailored to the marine environment.
Read at www.bbc.com
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