Marking a significant advance in the application of 3D printing in the maritime industry, Netherlands- based Damen Shipyards Group has actually gotten in a participating consortium with the objective of creating the globe’s initial class-approved 3D published ship prop.

The consortium was developed by Damen with Rotterdam- based RAMLAB, Promarin, Autodesk, as well as course culture Bureau Veritas.

Damen states the suggestion for 3D published prop, to be called the WAAMpeller, is the outcome of among its internal pupil research study programs.

“Three students from Delft Technical University were investigating the potential of 3D printing for us. They brought us into contact with the other members of the consortium,” clarifies Kees Custers, Project Engineer in Damen’s Research & & Development division. “What is quite unique about this group of five companies is that, while we have joint interests, we also have individual aims. This leads to a very productive and cooperative atmosphere in what is a very exciting project.”

Full- range item

The prop will certainly be based upon a Promarin layout that is commonly discovered on a Damen Stan Tug 1606. This 1,300 mm size prop considers roughly 180kg. Using Autodesk software application in the building and construction procedure, Port of Rotterdam’s RAMLAB will certainly produce the WAAMpeller from a bronze alloy making use of the Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing (WAAM) procedure.

Bureau Veritas will certainly be associated with the accreditation of the finished item; in what will certainly be the very first time that a steel 3D published maritime part will certainly be accepted by Class.

Once the prop has actually been published, Damen will certainly proceed with full-blown tests.

“We will be performing a comprehensive programme that will include bollard pull and crash test scenarios. Our ambition is to demonstrate that the research phase for 3D printing in the maritime sector is over, and that it can now be effectively applied in operations.”

The initial prop is anticipated to be published by summer season 2017, with succeeding screening happening in the Fall.

“Our aim is to build more effective, more cost-efficient and more environmentally friendly vessels,” claimed Damen’s Principle Research Engineer Don Hoogendoorn.

“The WAAMpeller project contributes to this goal because it not only marks an important advance in 3D printing, but it also has the potential to yield significant results in optimising future vessel designs. 3D printing technology brings with it an excellent opportunity to improve ship structures in terms of both performance and fuel consumption.”