Francesco Belvisi and Daniele Cevola, winner of the Italian National Innovation Prize 2017, is the ambitious project for the two Italian builders, who have been designing and manufacturing the first 3D print yachts for Minitransat since 2014 Mini 650. Minitransat is a prestigious sailing event to be held in 2019 across the Atlantic Ocean from Europe to South America.
While developing the yacht project, the two entrepreneurs together with their Ocore company are pushing the development of specialized direct extrusion 3D printing technology, and their company provided the high-quality components needed for this technology. In addition to improving the print hardware - robots, extruders and nozzles, they also used a fractal-based algorithm to obtain a new material deposition strategy.
Lehvoss Group and its parent company Lehmann & Voss & Co in Hamburg, Germany, support process development and additionally design and deliver customized 3D printed materials for the technology and applications based on thermoplastic polymer materials such as high-performance polyamides and PEEK Luvocom 3F as a trademark.In order to achieve the required mechanical properties, the polymer is reinforced with carbon fibers.In addition, the material is modified to increase the layer strength, which makes the printed part does not warp.This makes the parts become stronger, more Durable and precise, and lighter.
Francesco Belvisi, chief technology officer at Ocore, added: "This vessel will be one of the favorites to win thanks to its lightweight, high-strength 3D printed components. 3D printing has greatly reduced the boat's construction time and made it cheaper. Not only did it create the first 3D printing ship, but it also hoped to win the 2019 contest.
The Livrea team performs all simulation and assessment work, supported by experienced engineers from the America's Cup and the Volvo Ocean Race, and the actual vessel construction is done by the NautiLab team.