Marine Industry

Large maritime vessels and watercraft such as submersibles, cargo ships, tankers, oil platforms and cruise ships can be exercised in engineering but even more so in sourcing the low-run, large-size components needed to build these craft. The ADDere additive manufacturing systems open another avenue to get these parts built. ADDere’s additive manufacturing systems can build large-scale components in a variety of materials including carbon steel, stainless steel and many other ferrous alloys. Additionally, it can also print exotic superalloys such as Inconel and titanium.

In addition to that, the ADDere’s systems are capable of depositing material on previously cast or forged components, allowing firms to cast or otherwise manufacture a “common core” component and utilize the ADDere to directly print additional features for whichever implementation is necessary. ADDere is also a capable system to augment the repair of large-scale metal components. The wire disposition additive system can hard face worn componentry or print features damaged or lost in a machine’s operation. Having this ability can reduce more than the cost of getting large, specialized marine components repaired, it could greatly reduce the downtimes that come with the repair.

The Current of Change

Additive manufacturing is making steady advances in the marine sector, much like it has in the automotive and aerospace industries. The maritime world is exploring the potential of large-scale layer-by-layer laser-wire 3D printing, which offers two main advantages: the establishment of a local supply infrastructure for 3D printed spare parts in major ports and the exploitation of additive technology to create parts that no other manufacturing process can produce.

The Impact on Shipbuilding

Shipbuilders are looking to 3D printing to overcome long-standing production challenges by 3D printing necessary components that are otherwise unavailable due to supply chain issues. The benefits are clear: shortened supply chains, reduced waste, increased design flexibility, and the integration of complex subassemblies. These advantages are steering the industry towards a more efficient and innovative future.

The biggest waves ADDere brings to the marine industry are yet to come. With each successful project and resolved challenge, the maritime industry moves closer to a future where 3D printing is not just an option but a standard part of the shipbuilding and maintenance process. The journey is long, but the destination is promising, with ADDere’s additive manufacturing process set to anchor itself firmly within the marine industry.