Additive Enclosures
An additive manufactured enclosure helps reduce cost and weight, and offer remote repair opportunities.
Introduction
We were approached with the task of producing a low-cost power distribution panel for use in a marine application. Using novel additive manufacture yielded a lightweight, cost effective waterproof panel with the capability to repair remotely.
The customer.
Our customer was an Italian shipbuilder focussed on building large vessels for the shipping industry.
The Problem
A low cost solution suitable for salt water.
Traditional enclosure manufacture, using sheet metal and machined components, were yielding expensive solutions due to the complex shape of the end panel.
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The customer needed a solution which could be housed in a complex profile, without the added unit cost for the end solution.
Our Process
Utilising additive manufacture
We designed a solution which utilised metal additive manufacture (MAM) processes to produce optimised thin-wall structures.
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Working closely with our supply chain and the customer, we optimised a design which overcame traditional challenges with printing thin-wall designs.
The Solution
A novel enclosure
The new enclosure met the cost targets, being 30% cheaper than traditional manufacturing methods in this instance. Due to the flexibility of the process, the enclosure could also be optimised for space to produce a smaller panel than would be required by sheet metal manufacture.
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The additive process also yields the opportunity to repair the enclosure remotely should it be required, were a printer housed on the vessel.
The Results
The additive solution helped our client achieve their cost targets without impacting their capability.
30%
cost
reduction
10%
reduction in mass
Remote
repair capabilities
