The University of Maine has launched 3Dirigo X, a 9-metre 3D-printed vessel designed to demonstrate large-scale additive manufacturing for commercial and defence vessel production.
The vessel was designed and manufactured at the university’s Advanced Structures and Composites Center and is capable of speeds approaching 40 knots in offshore conditions.
3Dirigo X builds on the university’s original 3Dirigo vessel, which was unveiled in 2019 and demonstrated the production of a boat of its size using large-scale 3D printing.
The university has increased its printing rate from around 9kg per hour when the research began to approximately 225kg per hour, with composite materials, digital design, sensors and process controls also used to reduce production times.
Digital designs can be modified to produce different hulls and components without requiring a new mould for each design, the researchers said.
The technology is being developed for applications including uncrewed vessels, patrol craft, logistics vessels, sensor platforms and replacement components.
The project is being conducted through the US federally funded Accelerated Rapid Prototyping initiative, which brings together the university, defence research organisations, national laboratories and industry partners.
“Digital manufacturing allows us to build the digital twin,” said Keith DeVries, Manufacturing Technology (ManTech) Director at the Office of the Secretary of Defense.
“It enhances our design cycle. It enhances our test modelling and iteration so that the next copy is that much stronger than what we had today.”
The university is also preparing to open a Factory of the Future within its 5,000-square-metre GEM facility, which is expected to increase its large-scale additive manufacturing capacity.
“The Factory of the Future will allow us to significantly expand our capabilities and reach a deposition rate of 1,000 pounds (450kg) an hour,” said Habib Dagher, executive director of UMaine’s Advanced Structures and Composites Center.
3Dirigo X will undergo further testing to assess its performance in Atlantic waters, including its ability to withstand long-term stress and offshore operating conditions.
