ClassNK Publishes 3D Printing Guidelines

Classification society ClassNK released its “Guidelines for Additive Manufacturing(3D Printing)” that summarize the approval requirements for metallic marine equipment by additive manufacturing technology.

Additive manufacturing, also know as 3D printing, is a method for manufacturing by laminating and combining materials such as resin and metal based on 3D model data. Its feature is the capability to mold complex and high-precision shapes.

In recent years, the use of additive manufacturing technology has been rapidly expanding in manufacturing metallic products, particularly in automotive, aerospace and medical care. Although there are few examples of the use of this technology in the maritime industry, it is expected that metallic products by additive manufacturing technology will become widespread in the future as a lot of marine equipment are metallic products.

To ensure safety and proper use of the technology in the maritime industry, the new guidelines available to download free of charge via ClassNK’s website specify the approval requirements for the feedstock used in metallic marine equipment by additive manufacturing technology, the manufacturing process and the test and inspection for the products.

Furthermore, the guidelines summarize the terminology, type and features of the technology to be used as an introduction to additive manufacturing technology, and include the information about the characteristics and the management method of metallic powder used in additive manufacturing as appendices.