Pershing, part of the Ferretti Group, has introduced groundbreaking technology in the luxury yachting industry with its new yacht, the GTX116. This 35-meter yacht features some of the first 3D-printed superstructures, such as air grilles and a visor above the windshield, created using Caracol’s Heron AM system. This innovative use of Large Format Additive Manufacturing (LFAM) technology allows for complex geometries, reduced weight, and faster production, bringing a new dimension to yacht manufacturing.
Innovation in Luxury Yachting Manufacturing
Ferretti Group, a leader in luxury motor yachts, partnered with Caracol to 3D print the first air grilles for the Pershing GTX116. The yacht’s design blends sportiness, elegance, and extreme livability, optimizing onboard weight for enhanced performance. By using LFAM, Ferretti Group was able to create customized, high-performance components that would have been impossible with traditional manufacturing methods.
From Traditional Methods to Additive Manufacturing
Traditionally, yacht superstructures like air grilles are made through manual lamination of fiberglass on molds, a labor-intensive process. Multiple molds are needed, increasing production time and costs. In contrast, LFAM eliminates the need for molds, streamlining production. Using the Heron AM platform, Caracol can print complex composite components directly from digital models, speeding up production, reducing material waste, and improving sustainability.
The Benefits of Additive Manufacturing for GTX116
For the Pershing GTX116, the air grilles were 3D printed using ASA reinforced with 20% glass fiber, chosen for its durability in marine environments. The 3D printing process took 72 hours, producing grilles measuring 4200 x 400 x 400 mm, weighing 40 kg. Compared to traditional methods, this process reduced lead time by 50%, material waste by 60%, and weight by 15%. A gel coat finish provided the necessary weather resistance, ensuring the grilles’ durability and aesthetic quality.
Shaping the Future of Yacht Production with LFAM
The successful implementation of LFAM technology in the production of air grilles for the GTX116 demonstrates its potential to revolutionize yacht manufacturing. This technology allows for the creation of highly customized and complex parts while reducing production time, material waste, and overall costs. Caracol’s Heron AM system is leading the way in using additive manufacturing to create lighter, stronger, and more sustainable yacht components.
Looking Ahead: LFAM’s Impact on the Marine Industry
The adoption of LFAM is transforming the marine industry, enabling faster and more efficient production of custom yacht components. The Heron AM system’s flexibility and performance make it a game-changer for the production of complex yacht structures, allowing for reduced lead times, lower material waste, and greater design freedom. This innovative approach is paving the way for a more sustainable and efficient future in luxury yacht manufacturing.
