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Superfici Talks Using 3D Printing for the Shipbuilding Industry

Among the industrial sectors currently reaping the benefits of additive manufacturing is the maritime industry. High standards, high surface quality, attention to detail, durable materials and customized design are just some of the sector’s requirements that 3D printing can

Superfici
3Dnatives

Among the industrial sectors currently reaping the benefits of additive manufacturing is the maritime industry. High standards, high surface quality, attention to detail, durable materials and customized design are just some of the sector’s requirements that 3D printing can meet, acting as a viable and sometimes necessary alternative to traditional production methods. Why and how can 3D printing be applied to the maritime sector? To find out more, we spoke with Superfici, an Italian company that is one of the first to install fully 3D printed parts on board ships. Paolo Nazzaro, CEO and co-founder, answered our questions.

3DN: Could you introduce yourself?

Hello, my name is Paolo Nazzaro and I’m one of the founding partners of Superfici, along with Davide Telleschi and Guido Zannoni. I’m a nautical designer with a PhD in nautical and sustainable product design. Since 2015, I’ve been an adjunct professor at the Nautical and Marine Design degree at the University of Genoa. My connection with 3D printing was born in 2010 from an experience I had during an internship with a company that develops diving equipment. On this occasion, I had the opportunity to create several prototypes with one of the first professional 3D printers installed in the company.

superfici team

The founders of Superfici

3DN: What is Superfici’s mission?

Superfici was born in 2016 in Liguria, from the idea of introducing additive manufacturing to the shipbuilding sector. The challenge is to bring innovation to a world notoriously linked to traditional, artisanal manufacturing. Superfici responds to the high demand for the production of highly detailed models in this sector. This led to an in-depth study of materials and surface treatment. The development of this process has provided the necessary know-how to be able to supply today various components that are installed directly on board boats of various sizes. Today, Superfici is a complete specialist in 3D services for the maritime industry.