Today, additive manufacturing is still seen as a technology reserved for the production of prototypes for engineering teams. And yet, for some years now, 3D printing, in its many forms, has been responding to demand from manufacturers, enabling them to move from prototyping to series production.

This is the case, for example, ofALSEAMAR, based in France, which designs and manufactures buoyancy foams for ultra-deep waters, underwater gliders, underwater and surface drones, underwater propellers, antennas, radio communication systems and acoustic positioning equipment.

From prototyping to series production in the marine environment

Axis and ALSEAMAR have collaborated on the SEAEXPLORER, an autonomous underwater drone for studying waters up to 1,000 meters deep. The nose and tail were 3D printed using vacuum casting technology. The challenge is to produce watertight parts that can withstand the pressure at such depths.

A successful challenge, since ALSEAMAR now orders parts for its production machines according to customer requests. Fast implementation and attractive costs make additive manufacturing an attractive alternative to traditional machining methods.

If you too are still hesitating to order your series productions, contact our experts to define your project together.

More information on the SEAEXPLORER :