The use of 3D printer technology to create monomer boats

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jasonchou

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Joined
Aug 29, 2023
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With the rapid development of 3D printing technology, its application in the manufacturing industry is more and more extensive, especially in the field of ship manufacturing. FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling) 3D printing technology as an important additive manufacturing technology, with its low cost, high efficiency and design flexibility, has shown great potential in monohull manufacturing.
FDM 3D printing technology builds objects by stacking molten plastic material layer by layer, which makes it possible to create monocosm boats with complex structures. Using this technology, hull prototypes can be made quickly, greatly reducing the time from design to finished product. In addition, by optimizing design, 3D printing can reduce material waste and reduce manufacturing costs.
In terms of material selection, FDM 3D printer technology usually uses thermoplastics, such as ABS and PLA, which have good mechanical properties and weather resistance and are suitable for the manufacture of monohull ships. At the same time, the strength and durability of the hull can be further improved by adding fiber reinforced materials.
In terms of practical applications, the Center for Advanced Structures and Composites at the University of Maine has successfully used FDM 3D printing technology to manufacture two military logistics ships for the U.S. Department of Defense. These ships not only demonstrate the breakthrough of 3D printing technology in the field of composite material manufacturing, but also verify its feasibility in practical military applications. One of the ships can carry a squad of soldiers and their supplies for three days, and the other can carry two containers, fully demonstrating the advantages of 3D printed monohull ships in terms of load capacity and transport efficiency.
In the future, with the continuous progress of 3D printing technology and the further development of materials science, the application of FDM 3D printing technology in monomer ship manufacturing will be more extensive. This will not only revolutionize the shipbuilding industry, but also play an important role in national defense and economic security.
 
I had Shapeways (RIP) print a stainless steel fin for an outboard lower unit. I got a quote for propellers what was about the same as a similar ABC investment casting. Aluminum is more expensive than steel for some reason, but 3D printed metal is competitive with casting for a lot of low volume projects.

Lohring Miller

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