3D Printing in Shipbuilding: How FDM Enhances Onboard Creation and Repair
When Manufacturing Sets Sail
Shipbuilding is an industry characterized by strict tolerances, significant equipment wear, and distance from suppliers. In such conditions, FDM 3D printing becomes a critical technology: from prototypes and tooling to emergency repairs in open waters.
The Use of FDM Printers in the Marine Industry
1. Service and Maintenance
Ships print:
plugs, fasteners, housings, and seals;
ventilation, lighting, and cable channel components;
handles, holders, buttons, decorative inserts.
Naval and civilian fleets are equipped with printers for rapid part replacement—eliminating the need to wait for shore delivery.
2. Engineering Equipment and Assembly Templates
In shipbuilding workshops, FDM printers produce:
installation guides;
drilling and welding templates;
custom tool holders.
3. Prototypes and Models
During hull and systems design:
models and units are printed for aerodynamic and hydrodynamic testing;
large-scale demonstration models are created.
Why FDM Is Ideal for the Marine Sector
Mobility—the printer can be installed directly on board;
Flexibility—quick response to breakdowns and modifications;
Reduced Downtime—parts are printed within hours, not weeks;
Cost Savings—especially for non-standard or obsolete parts.
Materials Used in Shipbuilding
ABS-GF, PC, PA12 CF—durable, rigid, corrosion resistant.
TPU, TPE—used for flexible seals and damping elements.
PETG, ASA—UV-resistant for external applications.
PEEK, PPSU—custom orders: chemical resistant, suitable for fuel and hydraulic systems.
Examples of Use
The Royal Navy prints parts on board at sea.
Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems has integrated FDM into assembly processes.
Port Authorities print mooring and security infrastructure components.
Protype—Industrial 3D Printer for Shipbuilding and Marine Tasks
Designed for heavy-duty operation:
Thermal chamber and filtration—ensures stable printing in marine climates;
Two independent heads—for rigid and flexible materials;
Automatic filament change—reliability in autonomous mode;
Module for nozzle cleaning—minimizes maintenance onboard.