Innovation that is possible in other industrial sectors is not always applicable to the naval repair and conversion sector, due to its specific characteristics and scale. In many cases, innovation begins with the analysis and understanding of tools to assess what value they might bring to future processes.
In this context, at ALIMIA Shipyards Group, we are exploring the potential of non-metallic additive manufacturing, a technology that enables components to be produced by layering material, offering high design flexibility and new possibilities for the manufacture of certain parts.
Although shipbuilding and ship repair have traditionally been associated with conventional manufacturing processes, advances in composite materials and 3D printing technologies are opening new opportunities for specific applications within the maritime sector.
A technology with potential for the shipbuilding sector
Among the advantages offered by additive manufacturing are the ability to produce components on demand, reduce lead times and develop complex geometries that are difficult to achieve using traditional methods. Furthermore, certain non-metallic materials offer benefits in terms of weight reduction and corrosion resistance.
This technology may be of particular interest for the manufacture of certain auxiliary components, customised parts or elements that require rapid adaptation to specific operational and maintenance requirements.
Beyond simply printing parts
The real value of additive manufacturing lies not only in the ability to reproduce an existing part, but in the possibility of rethinking designs, optimising functionality and finding new solutions to specific operational challenges.
On-demand production also reduces the need to stock certain spare parts and minimises logistical dependencies; aspects that are particularly relevant in an industry operating in a global and highly demanding environment.
From Digital Design to Practical Application
The possibilities of additive manufacturing extend beyond the production of final components. It also enables the development of customised tools and fixtures that facilitate specific measurement, verification and alignment tasks.
One example is the design and printing of lightweight parts that accurately reproduce the geometric references required for checks using laser measurement systems. This makes it possible to carry out certain verification tasks without the need to repeatedly handle heavy or complex components, simplifying the work and improving process efficiency.
This type of solution demonstrates how additive manufacturing can help transform a digital design into a practical application, tailored to specific requirements and aimed at optimising day-to-day operations.
Digital design of a component developed through additive manufacturing for measurement and alignment applications, in this case to align pipe supports using a laser system.
Virtual model used to validate the design and its integration into the workflow.
Tool manufactured using 3D printing and employed as a reference for laser-based measurement and alignment tasks.
Innovation also means exploration
Some applications of this technology are already being used in real-world naval environments, including components such as grilles, ventilation elements and parts tailored to the specific needs of ships.
For ALIMIA Shipyards Group, the value of initiatives such as this comes from understanding how emerging technologies can complement traditional processes and help to deliver solutions that are increasingly agile, efficient and tailored to our customers’ needs.
Because innovation is not just about implementing new tools. It is also about researching, learning and preparing to capitalise on the opportunities that will shape the future of the shipbuilding industry.
