Canadian designer predicts: by 2030, yachts will be built with the help of 3D printing
In 2030, the production of luxurious yachts with the help of additive technologies will become commonplace. It was stated by the Canadian designer and experienced shipbuilder Gregory Marshall on the Superyacht Design 2017 exhibition.
The expert outlined the following advantages of 3D printing:
- unique solutions and designs creation;
- production waste reduction;
- titanium yachts creation possibility;
- ecological state improvement.
With 3D technologies, we would create an interior, as well as project a covering, bulkheads and different strain constructions. Titanium would be used as a printing material for a hull. It is light, firm, fire- and corrosion-proof. Titanium will allow using an internal space of the yacht to maximum extent, so we would set more powerful engines and other equipment without a displacement increase.
Moreover, 3D printing will significantly reduce wastes of consumable products and harmful manufacturing. In traditional building methods, 15-20% of building materials goes to waste. Watercraft 3D printing will produce no more than 2% of wastes. The workforce will also be reduced, which will cut wage costs and decrease ship production cost.
Today, industrial 3D printers cannot create large scale details from metal, but the solution will soon be found. Marshall predicts that in 10 years, the lifeboat and small vessel additive production will be launched. What is more, by 2030, 3D printers will be able to print Titanium bodies with a height of 45 m. By the way, building of luxurious yachts will take two months maximum, while today the process takes three years.
