Dutch company CEAD is establishing a new manufacturing facility near its headquarters in Delft. The 2,300-square-meter space will function as a maritime application center (MAC) specialized in producing 3D-printed vessels. The highly automated facility will require only two or three operators to produce up to 100 boats annually.
The company has developed a dedicated system for 3D printing boat hulls directly from digital files. This approach eliminates several traditional manufacturing steps while reducing material waste and decreasing dependency on skilled manual labor. The technology allows for faster production times and greater design flexibility.
CEAD’s manufacturing process differs from standard robotic 3D printers, according to the company. The specialized machines will enable a cleaner, quieter, and more compact production environment. The facility is designed to scale production capacity as demand increases.
The MAC will initially produce vessels up to 12 meters in length, primarily for industrial and defense purposes. Target applications include patrol boats, fishing vessels, and unmanned surface vessels. The company indicates the production facility can operate without heavy infrastructure or specialized zoning requirements.
CEAD states that the maritime sector is particularly suitable for large-scale 3D printing technology. The new approach addresses several production bottlenecks currently faced by traditional boat manufacturers. The facility’s reduced footprint means it can potentially operate in light industrial or urban environments like Delft.
Source: bairdmaritime.com