Dutch Firms- Damen & CEAD Developing 3D-printed HDPE Workboats

Damen Compact Crafts (DCCr) and fellow Dutch firm, CEAD are collaborating to develop a 3D-printed HDPE Workboat (HWB) using CEAD HDPro material.

The project will take place at CEAD’s Maritime Application Center (MAC) in Delft. Damen and CEAD combine their complementary expertise: CEAD as a technology pioneer in large-format composite 3D printing, and Damen as a specialist in designing and delivering compact workboats for a wide range of applications.

With this project, Damen aims to investigate how 3D printing technology can contribute to the faster, more sustainable, and more flexible production of functional vessels. The HWB is being designed as suitable for a wide range of operations; including inspection, support, patrol, and logistical tasks.

By 3D printing the hull of the boat, not only is more design freedom achieved, but it also opens the possibility of integrating recycled and renewable materials. CEAD contributes its expertise in large-format 3D printing and is developing print technologies capable of processing superior HDPE blends.

“This collaboration demonstrates how technology can directly contribute to practical solutions in the maritime sector,” said Charléne van Wingerden, Chief Business Development Officer at CEAD. “The MAC was founded to accelerate exactly these kinds of innovations – and a 3D-printed HWB is a perfect example of that.”

“Innovation and standardisation are part of our DNA at Damen. 3D printing allows us to respond more quickly and flexibly to what our customers really need. It’s an exciting step toward smart, sustainable solutions that work,” said Nick Pruissen, Managing Director at Damen Compact Crafts.

The success of the 3D-printed HWB could open the door to broader applications of additive manufacturing in shipbuilding.