China’s breakthrough in 3D printing for shipbuilding

[cirr]

China’s breakthrough in 3D printing for shipbuilding



By Lee Hong Liang from Singapore

6 hours ago

The use of 3D printing as a technology in the maritime sector remains a relatively new concept. But the application of this technology especially in shipbuilding is actually a viable option in view of the need for a wide-ranging and voluminous number of vessel components.

In the latest R&D development at China Shipbuilding Industry Corporation (CSIC), the state-owned shipbuilder announced that it has achieved a breakthrough in 3D printing.

At CSIC’s 705th Research Institute, established in 1992 to develop and produce complicated castings and equipment, tests have been conducted on a technique called Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS). The additive manufacturing technique uses laser as a power source to sinter powdered material, typically metal, aiming the laser at points in space defined by a 3D model, thereby binding the material together to create a solid structure, with up to 99% density.

Back in August 2014, the 705th Research Institute set up a dedicated team called U3 Team based in Kunming, China’s southern Yunnan province, to focus on acquiring the skills and knowledge to materialise the use of 3D printing for CSIC. And after one year of dedicated work, the institute finally came up with its DMLS attached with intellectual property rights.

CSIC claimed that it is now the fourth company in the world - after US firms Stratasys and Fonon Corporation, and Germany’s EOS - to acquire the know-how of DMLS. The Chinese firm added that each of the DMLS station can be sold for more than RMB10m ($1.6m).

In an earlier article on Seatrade Maritime news, it was mentioned that the use of 3D printing in the maritime market could help to reduce cost and environmental impact associated with supplying spares to vessels. There was an example that Maersk Tankers had conducted a 3D printing experiment on board one of its ships, exploring the idea of printing its own parts on the vessel rather than transporting the parts to the ship.

So what would be the next step for CSIC’s 705th Research Institute? The institute said that in order to continue with its development of 3D printing technology, it will expand its material manufacturing base in Kunming and establish a prototype technology center in Yunnan province.

These developments will help to increase production under DMLS and kickstart related facilities for 3D printing technology, at the same time continue with R&D and value-added services. The institute will also employ the use of the common technology for 3D printing – the non-metallic Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) which works by passing a filament of thermoplastic through a heated nozzle.

Images showing components produced via DMLS of 3D printing technology

China’s breakthrough in 3D printing for shipbuilding

 

[AndrewJin]

3D printing and robot/automation, two main themes of the new industrial revolution?

 

[Jlaw]

3D printing and robot/automation, two main themes of the new industrial revolution?

I think so. The combination of these two + skilled Chinese laborers will make China the most advance manufacturing nation n earth in the near future.

 

[Hamartia Antidote]

For those wondering what Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS) is

However.....there are now new enhanced/advanced strategies:
Laser metal deposition defined - Industrial Laser Solutions

Hybrid Additive and Subtractive Laser Deposition

 

[cirr]

China Shipbuilding Corporation Develops New DMLS 3D Printing Process

BY HEIDI MILKERT · AUGUST 5, 2015




While FDM and SLA 3D printing promises to change the rapid prototyping, design, and DIY markets for the better, it’s the 3D printing of metal which could have the most staggering implications for the manufacturing sector. The ability to print intricate, custom designs, which oftentimes are stronger and more reliable than their cast counterparts, will eventually make technologies such as Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS) a no-brainer for many industries.

Currently DMLS technology is used by two companies in the US, Stratasys and Fonon, as well as by EOS in Germany. And while all three of these companies offer up high-quality machines, prices can often approach the high 6-figure to low 7-figure range.

Because of this and perhaps other reasons, many companies shy away from the technology or at least put their additive manufacturing ambitions on hold. This was the case with one of China’s largest state-owned shipbuilding conglomerates, China Shipbuilding Corporation (CSIC), which last August, via their 705th Research Institute, launched a program to create their own DMLS machines. The company certainly had their work cut out for them as they had to figure out how to use a laser to sinter metal powders at very impressive accuracy levels. In doing so they would be able to rely solely on their own in-house technology to fabricate components for future ships as well as resell the machines and the technology to other companies both within China and abroad.



The 705th Research Institute assigned the project to a group they called the U3 Team based in Kunming, China’s southern Yunnan province. The team was tasked with researching and developing a DMLS machine with attached intellectual property rights.

Here we are a year later and progress has been made. In fact the team has already succeeded in creating their own proprietary DMLS technology, according to the company, and is also selling the machines for around $1.6 million.



Next up for CSIC’s 705th Research Institute will be to continue to expand upon their material capabilities while also expanding their material manufacturing base in the Kunming province. Future plans are also in the works for the establishment of a prototype technology center in China’s Yunnan province. As for when we will begin seeing end-use components integrated into new ships constructed by CSIC, that’s still up in the air–however, the company continues to push forward with a multitude of 3D printing technologies such as FDM as well.

China Shipbuilding Corporation Develops New DMLS 3D Printing Process - 3DPrint.com

 

[TaiShang]

Here we are a year later and progress has been made. In fact the team has already succeeded in creating their own proprietary DMLS technology, according to the company, and is also selling the machines for around $1.6 million.

it is nice to be able to heat up the competition.

***

CSIC is a nice state owned company.

Established in July 1999, the China Shipbuilding Industry Corporation (CSIC) is a leading state-owned business and one of China’s largest shipbuilding and shiprepair groups. Its marine sector covers both naval and merchant ships and equipment manufacturing. It also designs, develops and manufactures a wide-range of non-marine products.

CSIC is one of the largest business groups operating under the central government and it holds the relevant authority to manage its own finances and investment strategy. CSIC is also the only company in the Chinese shipbuilding industry listed on the Fortune Global 500. The group has a total asset base of USD62.95 billion. CSIC’s total workforce numbers around 150,000.

The CSIC group includes a number of well-known shipyards, diesel engine manufacturers and research institutes which are associated with the flagship listed subsidiary— China Shipbuilding Industry Co.,Ltd.(Shanghai Stock Exchange listing code no.601989). These companies are Dalian Shipbuilding Industry Co., Ltd., Bohai Shipbuilding Heavy Industry Co., Ltd., Wuchang Shipbuilding Industry Co., Ltd., Shanhaiguan Shipbuilding Industry Co., Ltd., Qingdao Beihai Shipbuilding Heavy Industry Co., Ltd., Tianjin Xingang Shipbuilding Heavy Industry Co., Ltd., Dalian Marine Diesel Co., Ltd., China Ship Research & Development Academy and China Ship Scientific Research Centre. In addition to these pioneering companies, there are also specialized subsidiaries in different marine-related business and R&D sectors which are also member companies of this listed company. They are China Shipbuilding & Offshore International Co., Ltd., China Ship Design & Research Centre Co., Ltd., CSIC Finance Co., Ltd., CSIC Technology Investment Development Co., Ltd. and China Shipbuilding Industry Equipment & Materials Co., Ltd.

In addition to having the largest shipbuilding and repair facilities in China, CSIC is also the leading player in the research and design of naval and merchant ships. The group employs 13 academicians and more than 40,000 highly qualified engineers working at the group’s six national class R&D centres, nine national class laboratories and twelve national class technological research centres as well as 150 large-scale laboratories.

With this unrivalled scientific research and development base, CSIC has a large capability to design, develop and manufacture new products. It designs, builds and repairs a wide-range of ships including tankers, chemical and product carriers, bulk carriers, containerships, ro-ro vessels, LPGs, LNGs, offshore and other special vessels and equipment. Ships built by CSIC shipyards have been exported to over 60 countries and regions around the world. Currently, the annual shipbuilding capacity of CSIC is 15 million dwt.

Besides shipbuilding and shiprepairing, CSIC is also a major marine engine and equipment manufacturer in China covering a full range of products. These products include marine diesel engines, auxiliary engines, electronic instruments and military weapons. The technology of these products combines CSIC’s innovation with technology transfers from famous international manufacturers in their fields.

CSIC’s product range extends beyond the maritime industry and into the realm of designing and manufacturing advanced large turnkey equipment and high-tech products. CSIC has self-developed and produced hundreds of non-marine products covering five industry sectors. The are energy, transportation, electronics information, large turnkey equipment and logistics. Many of these products have become market leaders in their respective sectors.

The core business areas of CSIC include:

- asset management for the group and its subsidiaries;
- domestic and overseas investment and financing;
- researching, developing and producing military products with a strong focus on naval vessels;
- designing, building and repairing merchant ships;
- designing, manufacturing and repairing marine equipment and non-marine products;
- various forms of beneficial economic and technological cooperation;
- turnkey project contracting and labour supply;
- manufacturing products under overseas licences and technology transfer agreements;
- civil engineering and construction as well as carrying out tasks authorized by the government.

CSIC has a very clear strategy namely to become China's leading provider of warships and related equipment and systems.

Also as the group is already a major player in the Chinese shipbuilding industry it is working to be a world class shipbuilder group.

 

[AndrewJin]

it is nice to be able to heat up the competition.

***

CSIC is a nice state owned company.

Established in July 1999, the China Shipbuilding Industry Corporation (CSIC) is a leading state-owned business and one of China’s largest shipbuilding and shiprepair groups. Its marine sector covers both naval and merchant ships and equipment manufacturing. It also designs, develops and manufactures a wide-range of non-marine products.

CSIC is one of the largest business groups operating under the central government and it holds the relevant authority to manage its own finances and investment strategy. CSIC is also the only company in the Chinese shipbuilding industry listed on the Fortune Global 500. The group has a total asset base of USD62.95 billion. CSIC’s total workforce numbers around 150,000.

The CSIC group includes a number of well-known shipyards, diesel engine manufacturers and research institutes which are associated with the flagship listed subsidiary— China Shipbuilding Industry Co.,Ltd.(Shanghai Stock Exchange listing code no.601989). These companies are Dalian Shipbuilding Industry Co., Ltd., Bohai Shipbuilding Heavy Industry Co., Ltd., Wuchang Shipbuilding Industry Co., Ltd., Shanhaiguan Shipbuilding Industry Co., Ltd., Qingdao Beihai Shipbuilding Heavy Industry Co., Ltd., Tianjin Xingang Shipbuilding Heavy Industry Co., Ltd., Dalian Marine Diesel Co., Ltd., China Ship Research & Development Academy and China Ship Scientific Research Centre. In addition to these pioneering companies, there are also specialized subsidiaries in different marine-related business and R&D sectors which are also member companies of this listed company. They are China Shipbuilding & Offshore International Co., Ltd., China Ship Design & Research Centre Co., Ltd., CSIC Finance Co., Ltd., CSIC Technology Investment Development Co., Ltd. and China Shipbuilding Industry Equipment & Materials Co., Ltd.

In addition to having the largest shipbuilding and repair facilities in China, CSIC is also the leading player in the research and design of naval and merchant ships. The group employs 13 academicians and more than 40,000 highly qualified engineers working at the group’s six national class R&D centres, nine national class laboratories and twelve national class technological research centres as well as 150 large-scale laboratories.

With this unrivalled scientific research and development base, CSIC has a large capability to design, develop and manufacture new products. It designs, builds and repairs a wide-range of ships including tankers, chemical and product carriers, bulk carriers, containerships, ro-ro vessels, LPGs, LNGs, offshore and other special vessels and equipment. Ships built by CSIC shipyards have been exported to over 60 countries and regions around the world. Currently, the annual shipbuilding capacity of CSIC is 15 million dwt.

Besides shipbuilding and shiprepairing, CSIC is also a major marine engine and equipment manufacturer in China covering a full range of products. These products include marine diesel engines, auxiliary engines, electronic instruments and military weapons. The technology of these products combines CSIC’s innovation with technology transfers from famous international manufacturers in their fields.

CSIC’s product range extends beyond the maritime industry and into the realm of designing and manufacturing advanced large turnkey equipment and high-tech products. CSIC has self-developed and produced hundreds of non-marine products covering five industry sectors. The are energy, transportation, electronics information, large turnkey equipment and logistics. Many of these products have become market leaders in their respective sectors.

The core business areas of CSIC include:

- asset management for the group and its subsidiaries;
- domestic and overseas investment and financing;
- researching, developing and producing military products with a strong focus on naval vessels;
- designing, building and repairing merchant ships;
- designing, manufacturing and repairing marine equipment and non-marine products;
- various forms of beneficial economic and technological cooperation;
- turnkey project contracting and labour supply;
- manufacturing products under overseas licences and technology transfer agreements;
- civil engineering and construction as well as carrying out tasks authorized by the government.

CSIC has a very clear strategy namely to become China's leading provider of warships and related equipment and systems.

Also as the group is already a major player in the Chinese shipbuilding industry it is working to be a world class shipbuilder group.

CSIC is often called North Shipbuilding.
Don't forget China State Shipbuilding Corporation which is also called South Shipbuilding.

 

[Hypersonicmissiles]

Western monopoly in this area has been broken.

 

[55100864]

Additive manufacturing !!!

 

[TaiShang]

CSIC is often called North Shipbuilding.
Don't forget China State Shipbuilding Corporation which is also called South Shipbuilding.

Groups profile

China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC) ,established on the I st of July,1999,is an extra large conglomerate and state-authorized investment institution directly administered by the central government of China. It boasts its being the mainstay of the shipbuilding industry in China. Under its wing, there are totally 60 sole proprietorship enterprises and shareholding institutions,including a batch of most powerful and some renowned shipbuilding and shiprepairing yards,research and design institutes,marine-related equipment manufacturers and trading firms in China.

CSSC's main business is shipbuilding, covering both the naval and civil products. As for the naval ships,CSSC is capable of building almost various kinds of warship and auxiliary vessels as well as the related equipment for the Chinese Navy,thus earning the position as the backbone forces backing-up the Chinese Navy in terms of its construction.In the field of civil ships,CSSC is adept in building any kinds of modern ships fully complying with the rules and regulations of any classification societies in the world and meeting the requirements of any international general standards and safety conventions and being able to travel through any sort of waterways.CSSC boasts its wide spectrum of products, ranging from the conventional oil tankers and bulk carriers to the sophisticated and state-of-the-art vessels,such as LNG carriers,VLCCs,chemical carriers,ro/ro passenger freight ships,large containerships,large LPG carriers,large self-un loading ships,high speed ships and various civil ships and offshore engineering facilities.So far,CSSC has already exported a large number of ships to more than 50 countries and regions all around the world.

Since entering the new century,CSSC has put forward a strategic objective called “5-3-1 goal”,with which CSSC shall put itself in the rank of the top 5 and the top 3 shipbuilding groups in the world respectively in 2005 and 2010. Furthermore, CSSC , with its endeavors and efforts for another five years,shall achieve its objective of being the world's number one shipbuilding group in the year 2015,thus bolstering China to be the number one shipbuilding country in the world.In order to achieve its target as set above, CSSC shall lay emphasis on the construction of two shipbuilding bases,namely,Changxing Island shipbuilding base in Shanghai and Longxue shipbuilding base in Guangzhou. As a result,CSSC shall have upgraded its shipbuilding capability from the 4 million dwt by now to 14 million dwt by 2015,with a wider range of products of high-tech ships or vessels such as the LNG carriers and luxury cruise ships and so on.

While making its main line of business,viz.shipbuilding industry,become bigger in scale and stronger in strength,CSSC shall strive to expand its non-ship businesses and operations such as shiprepairs,marine-related equipment manufacture and steel structure fabrication.At present,CSSC has already notched up in such 20-plus fields and sectors as shipping, aerospace,construction,power generation,petrochemicals,hydraulic engineering, environmental protection,metallurgy,railway and light industry andso on. Besides,CSSC has virtually secured a market niche for a number of its key products,such as containers,large-scale steel structures,metallurgical equipment,land –based power generating sets, pressure vessels and B-scanners and so on. In another words,CSSC has already diversified its lines of business,covering trade,shipping,finance,real estate and bridge construction etc. In Short,CSSC has undoubtedly earned a leading position peerless in the shipbuilding circles in China and has already proved itself worthy of the title of the large-scale enterprise group with fast growth rate in many fields.

***

 

[opruh]

New Industrial Revolution will begin in China before gradually spreading to the world.