Using Additive Manufacturing to Make Underwater Vehicles

It is well-known that additive manufacturing is being used in space, but did you know that it also has applications underwater? ecoSUB Robotics, a manufacturer of underwater vehicles, has turned to 3D printing for the creation of key parts. The company is using polymer powder bed fusion technologies, notably experimenting with SLS and Multi-Jet Fusion (MJF) through 3DPRINTUK, to create robust, unique parts that can meet the requirements of being even deep in the ocean. The project shows the continued utility of AM can even in the most exacting environments.

ecoSUB Robotics is a spin-off of Planet Ocean who themselves are “specialists in high quality, marine scientific instruments for research, survey, naval and operations support.” Planet Ocean in particular is a leader in oceanographic and marine meteorological equipment, including, of course, autonomous underwater and surface vehicles with ecoSUB focusing exclusively on the creation of submarine-like underwater vehicles. The company was looking for a way to make 3D printed components that would be able to operate in a number of difficult conditions, namely in salt water, in very low temperature, and under extreme pressure at 2,500m below sea level. In addition, the parts also clearly needed to be water-tight and intact, to protect the valuable electronics within the vehicle. They chose to use 3D printing for prototyping and production applications both for cost-effectiveness but also freedom of design.

ecoSUB is using additive manufacturing to create key parts in their underwater vehicles

Expanding on the company’s choice of AM, Jeremy Sitbon, Chief Robotics Engineer – Marine Robotics Systems at ecoSUB Robotics commented, “For sure, the parts that we use in our underwater vehicles have to be strong and robust, and absolutely conform to design intent. 3D printing is preferred over injection moulding as we find the technology more versatile, and the design freedom allows us to innovate great parts. Also, our volumes are low (maybe 10 parts per month) so injection moulding would not be economical. Add in the fact that with 3D printing we can customize designs for individual clients, and the choice is clear.”