The keel is a flat blade that prevents the boat from being blown wayward by the wind and also holds the ballast that keeps the boat right-side up. WAAM eases the product development of keel systems, responding to the needs of each custom yacht, and can assure high performance.
This 4m long, 8mm thick bulb keel incorporates internal stiffeners to improve its structural integrity. Its surface is finished manually, and the internal volume is filled with lead.
This aluminium Keel is custom designed by KM Yachtbuilders and printed with Robotic WAAM by MX3D.
KM Yachtbuilders and MX3D partner to research and 3D-print aluminium parts for #yachts via Robotic Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing (#WAAM).
As skilled welders become scarce and customization the standard, yacht builders like KM Yachtbuilders are looking for innovative methods to produce their unique parts efficiently and cost-effective.
One of the goals is to certify aluminium parts with a Lloyd’s Register 3.2 certificate.
Thanks to Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) for partly funding this research project with the SME Innovation Stimulation subsidy by the Ministry of Economics and Climate.
