CEAD, a Delft-based pioneer in large scale 3D printing systems, has launched the Maritime Application Center (MAC). This production facility is dedicated to 3D printing entire boat hulls and accelerating industrial adoption of large scale 3D printing technology in the maritime sector. The launch was followed by a partnership with Damen to 3D print a workboat.
The MAC is focused on accelerating the adoption of automated, sustainable production in the maritime sector. It is positioned as a vital innovation hub where advanced manufacturing, material development, and application engineering converge to tackle the complexity of boatbuilding and related maritime components.
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Over 100 boats a year
In Delft, right around the corner of CEAD’s headquarters, the company is transforming a 2300 m2 space into the boat factory. With the launch of the MAC, CEAD introduces a two-fold vision for the maritime sector. First, to provide production capacity supporting shipbuilders and maritime manufacturers who are not yet ready to adopt large scale 3D printing in-house, but eager to reap the benefits of a highly automated production process.
Second, to accelerate application development and therefore adoption of large scale 3D printing technology in the maritime industry by working closely with industry partners and existing CEAD customers: sharing knowledge, co-developing solutions and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible together.
The MAC aims to demonstrate what the boat factory of the future looks like: a high-output, compact, automated facility where just two to three operators could produce over a 100 boats per year, depending on the specific factory configuration. CEAD is currently scaling production capacity to manufacture at least 100 boats per year, to supply the market and to actively demonstrate technical feasibility, efficiency and profitability of this factory model.
Lower costs, shorter lead times
The current conditions within the maritime sector, with a shortage of skilled labour, high costs and the need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, make it particularly well-suited for large scale 3D printing technology, which addresses many of the bottlenecks the maritime industry currently faces. Large scale 3D printing technology enables the production of boat hulls directly from a digital file, eliminating time-consuming, waste-generating steps and reducing reliance on skilled manual labour. In doing so, it helps lower costs, shorten lead times and allows manufacturers to quickly adapt to changing market demands in both design and production capacity.
CEAD has developed a dedicated system, based on its proven extrusion technology, specifically designed to 3D print boat hulls in an automated manner. This production technology enables boat building in a manner not feasible with standard robotic 3D printers. These machines form the foundation of the high-volume boat factory, a cleaner, quieter and more compact production facility with the flexibility to scale output as demand grows.
Unlike traditional shipyards, this boat factory operates without the need of heavy infrastructure, zoning or labour demands, making it viable in light industrial or even urban environments like the city of Delft.
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Collaborative model
Recognising the complexity of 3D printing entire boats, the MAC is built on a collaborative model. CEAD works closely with industry partners and provides a platform to learn and grow. Together, they will explore everything from 3D printing design for boat hulls, material development for marine environments to process optimisation and software innovations.
‘We bring deep expertise in large scale 3D printing technology, but true innovation happens when we combine that with the knowledge our industry partners have: whether it’s about boat design, regulatory requirements, or real-world performance. It’s that exchange of expertise that makes collaboration so powerful,’ says Charléne van Wingerden, Chief Business Development Officer at CEAD.
Workboats and USVs
The facility currently targets boats up to 12 metres in length, intended for industrial or defence applications, such as workboats, for example: patrol boats, fishing boats, supply boats, etc., and unmanned surface vessels (USVs).
The company has also lauched CEAD HDPro, a new material engineered to outperform conventional HDPE in heavy-duty maritime applications. This recently led to the production of the first full-scale fishing boat using CEAD HDPro, completed in just 88 hours of printing time.
Partnership with Damen
On the back of the MAC launch, CEAD announced a partnership with Damen Shipyards. Together, they will develop a 3D-printed HDPE Workboat (HWB) using the CEAD HDPro material. With this project, Damen aims to investigate how 3D printing technology can contribute to the faster, more sustainable, and more flexible production of functional vessels.
The HWB is being designed as a versatile vessel, suitable for a wide range of operations, including inspection, support, patrol, and logistical tasks. By 3D printing the hull of the boat, not only is more design freedom achieved, but it also opens the possibility of integrating recycled and renewable materials.
‘Innovation and standardisation are part of our DNA at Damen. 3D printing allows us to respond more quickly and flexibly to what our customers really need. It’s an exciting step toward smart, sustainable solutions that work,’states Nick Pruissen, Managing Director at Damen Compact Crafts.
Picture (top): Fishing boat print (photo by CEAD).
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