3D-Printing

3D printing technology is only beginning to have an impact in the maritime sector. Nevertheless, there are clear signs that additive manufacturing processes are becoming increasingly important in the maritime industry. Having recognised this early on, the Maritime Cluster Northern Germany (MCN) has been actively involved with this topic since 2017. In September 2018, the MCN’s Hamburg branch office launched a collaborative networking project for “3D Printing in the Maritime Industry”. “We see ourselves as a network for additive manufacturing in the maritime sector, and one from which many research & development projects geared towards the maritime economy will emerge,” says LinaHarms, the branch office’s manager, as she explains the network’s self-conception.

Numerous partners, associated partners and research institutions – including quite a few MCN members – have already formed ties among themselves under the project‘s umbrella. Most of those involved are manufacturing companies from the maritime sector. Various service providers (such as engineering companies), suppliers and scientific institutions are starting to jointly introduce and advance the new technology’s possibilities in the maritime economy.

But what is this all about? 3D printing generally refers to processes in which a product or component is constructed by depositing material in layers according to digital design data. In addition to plastic base materials and special synthetic resins, the range of materials used in these processes now includes ceramics, cement, glass, various metals and alloys, and composite materials. The leap from the lab into practice is therefore becoming increasingly viable and has already been partially accomplished in other sectors.