Using 3D Printing to Improve Sustainability and Performance in the Nautical Sector
The PoliMi Sailing Team collaborated with WASP to create an innovative hull for the Sumoth Challenge, a European competition promoting efficient and sustainable sailing boats. This partnership aimed to leverage 3D printing to enhance sustainability, innovation, and performance in the nautical sector.
Customized 3D Printed Molds for Sailing
Using the POWER WASP 45 HDP, the team printed the female mold directly, eliminating the traditional sacrificial model.
This approach reduced costs, production times, and material consumption, while filler putty negated the need for less sustainable milling techniques.
3D printing allowed for complex geometries, improving thermal deformation management and watertightness. With support from 50 students, the prototype, Febe, won the race, showcasing the effectiveness of these solutions and the role of 3D printing in advancing sustainable practices in the nautical industry.
Febe: 3D Printing Technical Details
For all the prints, the same profile was used, printed in ABS-GF with the POWER WASP 45 HDP. The project consists of four similarly sized parts forming a shell mold to minimize material usage. This design results in solid printed parts, with some thicker walls printed hollow. The components include the starboard bow, port bow, starboard stern, and port stern.
Technical notes
Molds port and starboard bow
- Printing time 3 h – 48 m
- Weight 5.5 kg
- Dimensions 1073 x 143 x 236 mm
Molds port and starboard stern
- Printing time 4 h – 32 m
- Weight 6,4 kg
- Dimensions 1110 x 143 x 236 mm
POWER WASP 45 HDP for Sailing
The Polimi Sailing Team created the customized hull for their sailing boat using POWER WASP 45 HDP: the massive scale FGF 3D printer designed to print at 45 degrees. By operating in a controlled environment and performing retractions, POWER WASP 45 HDP enables the creation of highly complex pieces using reinforced materials.
