TechCenter by thyssenkrupp Marine Systems: The printing revolution
Industrial components from state-of-the-art 3D printers have decisive advantages over conventionally produced components. In summer 2019, the thyssenkrupp TechCenter Additive Manufacturing became the world's first manufacturer of 3D printed components for maritime applications to be granted manufacturer approval by the renowned classification society DNV. By setting up our own team of specialists for additive manufacturing, we are now pursuing a major goal: the rapid and cost-effective series production of 3D-printed submarine components that facilitates completely new design possibilities.
Compared to conventionally produced components, the parts produced by 3D printing can offer decisive ad-vantages, explains Dr. Luis Alejandro Orellano, COO of thyssenkrupp Marine Systems: "3D-Printing opens up new potential for us. The construction of submarine components is no longer limited by traditional manufacturing methods. Using this state-of-the-art technology can provide great flexibility to our customers in the design process of their boats."
Less weight, yet fast and flexible
At the same time, “additive manufacturing”, as 3D printing is known in the industry, allows components to be pro-duced faster and more cost-effectively. In addition, the printers enable more complex structures that are at the same time more robust, stronger and lighter than components produced using conventional methods. In addition to conventional process steps, such as tool or mould making, this also eliminates the need to manufacture many small elements that have to be assembled individually.
Standard parts from the 3D printer are already being installed in submarines today. The same applies to printed steel components – for example the housing cover of a ventilation system.
Joeran Molck, Head of Armament
Innovative production expertise
With the acquisition of the thyssenkrupp TechCenter Additive Manufacturing in Mülheim an der Ruhr, Germany, the technology and expertise required for innovative production is integrated into the thyssenkrupp Marine Systems family.
The relocation of the facilities have been completed by the beginning of 2021. In addition to the already existing 3D printers, the facilities in Kiel were supplemented by a metal printer for the production of steel components as well as additional polymer printers for large parts. This is a unique production competence, which requires a high level of expertise along the complete process chain. With Additive Manufacturing, thyssenkrupp Marine Systems can industrialize the 3D printing of metals and plastics in series production. The planning and manufacturing process is handled digitally.
In summer 2019, the thyssenkrupp TechCenter Additive Manufacturing became the world's first manufacturer of 3D printed components for maritime applications to be granted manufacturer approval by the renowned classification society DNV.
Looking towards the future
The DNV certificate guarantees the material properties of the finished component in accordance with defined standards issued by independent testing institutes. This is an important step on the way to series production – because the materials used in Kiel submarines are meeting high quality standards.
In the future, thyssenkrupp Marine Systems plans to use 3D printers especially in the production of the parts re-quired in small batches for a submarine. The company will focus not only on components for new-build ships but also on spare part production to offer their customers further service options.
The tk MS in-house TechCenter offers professional expertise along the additive manufacturing value chain