3D printing sets sail in Nautics

The nautical industry is celebrating a revolutionary technological milestone thanks to the collaboration between V2 Group, a Spanish company specialising in the design, engineering, and large format 3D printing for nautical and naval applications, and Caracol AM, an Italian leader in advanced large format 3D printing technologies. Together, they have successfully developed the first functional six metre long monolithic catamaran for open waters. This boat was produced using robotic 3D printing technology and aimed at developing a product that can be industrialised and scaled, attentively researching the full process: from design to materials, to production and post processing with the requirements needed by the naval industry.

Large format 3D printing technology is transforming the nautical sector by offering competitive advantages such as highly customisable designs, efficient material use, and a significant reduction in environmental impact.

This boat is a tangible example of how advanced 3D printing processes can accelerate production times, minimise material waste, and enable the creation of high quality floating structures and boats tailored to the growing demands of a global market. Notably, this project was conceived with a long term vision, meticulously analysing every step of the process to lay the groundwork for future industrialisation of such boats. From material selection to the optimisation of printing times, assembly, and testing, every aspect has been carefully refined to identify the key elements needed to scale production efficiently, sustainably, and economically. This strategic approach is crucial for turning this technology into a widely applicable solution in the nautical sector.

This achievement not only demonstrates the feasibility of robotic large format 3D printing but also establishes the foundation for a new era in the manufacturing of boats and nautical components.

V2 Group and Caracol AM are committed to the continuous improvement of this manufacturing approach to broaden its applications in this sector, including transitioning toward the industrialisation of the process. This will pave the way for a more scalable, sustainable, and accessible production model within the sector.

The collaboration between these two European companies strengthens their leadership in nautical and naval innovation, positioning 3D printing as a key solution to tackle the future challenges of the industry. With a clear focus on industrialisation, the potential of this technology to transform nautical production is virtually limitless.