When I was Chief Engineer on my previous yacht, my Second Engineer casually mentioned that perhaps we could fit a 3D printer into our department’s new budget. At the time, I laughed it off and thought, “Not a chance.” However, I couldn’t shake the idea, so I decided to look into it further.
One of the most exciting advancements in recent years is how 3D printing has begun to reshape the way we approach the design, repair, and upkeep of yachts. What once seemed like a futuristic technology is now becoming an integral part of the superyacht industry.
3D printing, also known as additive manufacturing, has the potential to significantly streamline operations, reduce costs, and offer unparalleled customisation options for yacht owners.
In this blog, I’ll explore the various ways this technology is benefiting the yachting sector, from custom parts creation to onboard convenience.
Question is: Is it suitable for your department, and can you squeeze it through next year’s budget?
Custom Spare Parts: Precision and Speed
One of the most immediate advantages of 3D printing is the ability to quickly produce custom spare parts. Superyachts are highly specialised machines with many unique components that may not be easily available.
When something breaks or wears out, waiting for parts to arrive from overseas or remote locations can result in downtime, potentially affecting the overall experience for owners and guests.
With 3D printing, we can create exact replacements for parts on-demand, reducing the need for extensive stockpiling of spares and cutting down on long delivery times.
For example, if that small unique part on the blinds in the owner’s cabin has snapped and now the blinds won’t operate correctly. Or the ventilation grill has gone missing, and you don’t carry spares for that. Or there’s a bolt that’s in the most awkward place, if only you had a tool that was shaped a certain way. It can be designed and printed onboard, ensuring that the yacht can continue its journey with minimal disruption.
Obviously, you must consider warranty of systems (using your own made spares may void warranties) and that the materials are safe to use for the right application. So, don’t go designing your overboard valves just yet.
Rapid Prototyping for Customisation
Every superyacht is a statement of its owner’s tastes, and customisation is key. 3D printing allows us to prototype and create bespoke items much faster than traditional manufacturing methods.
Whether it’s a one-off interior design piece, a custom fixture, or a personalised feature for the deck or salon, 3D printing can help bring these ideas to life without the need for long lead times or expensive manufacturing runs.
A practical example of this could be the creation of custom-fit holders for navigational equipment or aesthetic decorations that align with the yacht’s overall design theme.
Using 3D printing onboard, we can test designs and make adjustments on the spot, creating more efficient workflows and more satisfied owners and crew.
Improved Aesthetic and Functional Design
3D printing is revolutionising how we think about design, especially when it comes to intricate and complex geometries that would be difficult, if not impossible, to achieve through traditional manufacturing.
Designers can now create beautiful, organic shapes for everything from furniture to ventilation systems, all while ensuring that the pieces are perfectly tailored to the yacht’s existing aesthetic and functional needs.
I’ve personally seen the benefits of 3D printing onboard in creating smooth, modern ventilation grilles, unique furniture elements, and even ergonomic handrails that follow the natural curves of the yacht’s hull. These items not only look amazing but are often more ergonomic and functional, enhancing the overall experience for guests and crew alike.
Sustainable Production and Waste Reduction
The yachting sector has become increasingly aware of its environmental impact, and 3D printing onboard is providing an opportunity to reduce waste.
Traditional manufacturing methods often involve cutting away large amounts of material to create a part, which produces excess waste. With 3D printing, parts are built layer by layer, meaning less material is wasted, and more efficient use is made of raw materials.
Additionally, many 3D-printed parts are designed for specific use, reducing the need for overstocking or transporting parts around the world. This shift to more sustainable production can help reduce the carbon footprint of yacht manufacturing and maintenance.
How many spares do you keep under the deck plats, in heavy storage boxes, or in the small cubby hole in your cabin because there is nowhere else? Do you need them onboard? Could you print them when needed instead?
Onboard Fabrication Facilities
Some of the most innovative superyachts are incorporating 3D printing capabilities directly into their design, with small onboard fabrication facilities or “labs” where 3D printers are used to create everything from bespoke gadgets to replacement components.
One thing to bear in mind, is the toxic fumes created. Ventilation is critical in the 3D printing area.
How much is a 3D Printer?
Over the past decade, the cost of 3D printers has dropped significantly, especially for consumer-grade models.
Low-End 3D Printers:
- Price Range: Generally, low-end 3D printers in the UK cost between £150 to £800. These models are typically based on Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM) technology, ideal for basic prototyping, creating small parts, or simple objects.
- Examples: Prusa Mini, Creality Ender 3, Anycubic i3 Mega, and Monoprice Select Mini.
- Printing Materials: They usually work with affordable filaments such as PLA, ABS, and PETG.
Mid-Range 3D Printers:
- Price Range: These range from £800 to £4,000, offering improved precision, reliability, and additional features like heated beds, faster print speeds, and advanced control systems. Some may support a wider range of materials.
- Examples: Prusa i3 MK3S+, Ultimaker 2+ Connect, and Raise3D Pro2.
- Printing Materials: These printers can work with filaments like Nylon, TPU, ASA, and composite materials.
High-End 3D Printers:
- Price Range: High-end models start around £4,000 and can easily exceed £80,000 for industrial-grade machines.
- Examples: Stratasys F170, Formlabs Form 3 (SLA resin printer), and Markforged Onyx Pro.
- Printing Materials: These printers are capable of printing with a wide range of materials, including advanced composites, engineering plastics, and metals.
- Use Cases: These are often used for professional prototyping, manufacturing parts, and high-precision models.
Please note that the information provided is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a recommendation or endorsement by Quay Crew or myself.
A Bright Future for 3D Printing in Yachting
I’m not suggesting that 3D printing will become the standard on every yacht. Rather, I want to give you something to consider. How many items could you produce onboard to save time and money?
Of course, there are important factors to weigh—such as the need for a stable platform for printing, where to store raw materials, the safety of working with new materials, and whether using 3D-printed parts would impact the vessel’s certification and insurance compared to using genuine spare parts.
As a Chief Engineer, it’s thrilling to see how 3D printing is evolving. From bespoke interior design to on-demand part creation, this technology is offering solutions that not only enhance the yachting experience but also improve operational efficiency and sustainability.
Whether it’s for maintenance, repairs, or customisation, 3D printing is here to stay, and its impact on the sector will only continue to grow.
