Application of the Month: The First 3D Printed Monolithic Catamaran

The maritime industry has undergone a major transformation in recent years thanks to the adoption of innovative technologies such as additive manufacturing. This production method enables ships and naval components to be created with unprecedented efficiency and sustainability. By reducing material waste, optimizing manufacturing times and enabling highly customized designs, 3D printing is positioning itself as a revolutionary solution in the marine industry. This is helped along by companies like Caracol, which is dedicated to developing large-scale additive manufacturing solutions. In collaboration with the V2 Group, it has developed the world’s first one-block, functional, 6-meter-long, 3D printed catamaran, designed to sail the high seas.

The innovative aspect of this project is that the boat was manufactured in a single print run, using the Heron AM LFAM (Large-Format Additive Manufacturing) robotic platform. This advance represents a milestone in the nautical industry, as it enables the industrialization and scalability of the large-format manufacturing process, optimizing every stage from design to post-processing.

Caracol’s LFAM technology, used for the monolithic catamaran

3D Printing a Monolithic Catamaran

In the maritime industry, large-format additive manufacturing offers competitive advantages such as design customization, efficient use of materials and reduced environmental impact. Caracol has implemented its complete Heron AM platform, designed to bring large-format additive manufacturing to industrial scale. This solution combines hardware, software and automation to deliver efficiency, flexibility and sustainability, optimizing the production of composite and thermoplastic parts. It is certified to high industry standards, guaranteeing manufacturing quality, continuity and control.