10% reduction in emissions and 90% faster lead times using large-scale additive manufacturing

Engineers at NMIS have helped prove that large-scale additive manufacturing can replace some traditional metal components in the shipbuilding industry, offering more efficient use of material, enhancing structural performance and reducing weight.

Led by Glasgow-based Malin Marine Consultants (MMC), part of Malin Group, with support from NMIS, Marine Vessel Lightweighting (MariLight) 2.0 looked to shift the sector away from traditional manual fabrication towards automated, flexible and environmentally friendly manufacturing approaches.

Advanced digital manufacturing techniques were applied to improve component design and performance, including on a topology-optimised tapping ring, a metal component used to reinforce openings cut into vessel decks or tanks, providing secure access points.

The redesigned part delivered a 10% reduction in emissions, cut lead times by 90% and reduced vessel weight by 13% in testing.

Chris Dunn, Managing Director, MMC, said:

MariLight 2 represented a major step forward in the validation of additive manufacturing, and its potential impact on more sustainable, efficient manufacturing methods within the maritime sector.