Dutch consortium in 3D printing project

In cooperation with Port of Rotterdam and manufacturing technology campus RDM Makerspace, the 27 companies have selected four marine parts from an initial shortlist of 30. The parts will be produced by additive manufacturing in July and August, with testing to take place in September.

The partners also aim to create a library of marine products suitable for 3D printing, with guidance for selecting materials and manufacturing methods. The first results and the 3D printed spare parts will be presented at Rotterdam Port Days in early September, with the final results to be revealed during the 3D Print Conference in Rotterdam, scheduled for autumn 2015.

Among the companies participating in the project is Aegir Marine. Robert van Herwaarden, general manager, said: ““Innovation is one of our priorities and we were already exploring 3D printing for our business. Joining this consortium was, therefore, a natural thing to do. I found that the selection of the final four products was a learning process by itself. What can be 3D printed, when is it profitable and what are the benefits?”

The Motorship will bring more details on the 3D printing project soon.