HD Hyundai Heavy Industries has developed a new 3D printing system that can produce metal ship parts during ocean voyages. The South Korean shipbuilder recently completed final testing of the technology at HD Hyundai Samho’s facility in Yeongam, South Jeolla Province, where they simulated maritime conditions to verify the printer’s offshore capabilities.
The project brought together several key industry players, including 3D printer manufacturer CScam, shipping company HMM, Korean Register, and Ulsan Metropolitan City. The printer system is designed to produce up to 350 different parts for maintenance, repair, and operational needs, potentially reducing the time ships spend diverting to ports for replacement parts.
To address challenges posed by maritime conditions, HD Hyundai Heavy Industries has incorporated an auxiliary device that compensates for ship movement and vibration. This addition aims to ensure consistent part production quality despite the dynamic conditions encountered at sea.
The company plans to launch the commercial version of this technology after the project concludes in December. A digital platform storing part designs will accompany the system, allowing for on-demand production. For vessels unable to accommodate onboard printers, the company intends to install units at ports along common shipping routes.
“The test proved the competitiveness of additive manufacturing in the shipbuilding industry,” said an HD HHI official. The company is now working with HD KSOE to expand its range of printable materials while seeking to reduce production costs.
Source: koreaherald.com