TRENDS Are you missing a piece for your boat? They 3D print it for you

Winch discs, handle holders, block pulleys, instrument covers, accessories, holders, and much, much more. Nautica 3D applies new technologies to perform maintenance of damaged marine components or systems that are out of production or to design, develop and manufacture new components, based on your needs

Just as in the world of old and vintage cars, where 3D printing has taken a key role in the production of discontinued parts and accessories, the same is happening in the marine industry.

Sicily, in this respect, is one of the leading regions in this innovative sector. We told you some time ago about the guys from OCore and their 3D hull designs, now it is the turn of a nice reality that we got to know during the Sicilian leg of the TAG Heuer VELA Cup, in Capo d’Orlando Marina.

HOW NAUTICAL 3D WAS BORN

Nautica 3D-the name says it all-is the brand created by engineer Aldo Calimeri: broke the winch selftailing and can’t find spare parts? Don’t worry, you won’t have to splurge on a new winch. Have you lost the old covers? No longer will you have to go crazy looking for them in flea markets halfway around the world. And again: did the pulley of your 20-year old pastecca break? You just need to change it with a new 3D printed one, without having to replace the block…

We had Calimeri tell us how the idea for Nautica 3D came about and to illustrate its activities with concrete examples.

“After graduating in mechanical engineering,” says Calimeri, “I started working in the field of plastic molding for irrigation (Sicily – Irritec) to move after a few years to the medical sector (Emilia Romagna – Gambro Dasco – Baxter).

Since 2010, I have started the engineering firm Lean Project and have been involved in product design and development for very diverse industries (medical, automotive, consumer goods, etc…).”

CUSTOM AND “ECO” PROCESSING

Continues Calimeri: “In recent years, at the same time as starting a rapid prototyping laboratory equipped with 3D printers, silicone molding, and CNC machining, I have reconnected with my old passion for sailing. Hence the idea of applying new technologies to perform maintenance of damaged nautical components or systems that are no longer on the market or to design, develop and manufacture new components even customized to specific customer requirements.

Whenever possible, consistent with product application specifications, I try to use materials and solutions that allow for their easy recycling at the end of their useful life, in keeping with the Lean Project motto of acting ethically and geared toward improving the environmental conditions of planet Earth. Hence the new brand Nautica 3D was born.

Do you have a part to replace and can’t find it on the market? The procedure to follow is very simple: send a WhatsApp message to 3393412967 with one or more photos of the component to be repaired or reproduced and a brief description, or send an Email to info@nautica-3d.it, they will reply right away to check the feasibility together.

https://www.leanproject.it/nautica-3d.asp

FIVE EXAMPLES OF 3D NAUTICAL MACHINING

1. REGENERATION OF WINCH DISCS WITH SELFTAILING

In the photos below, the regeneration work of the self tailing winchs discs in which the ribs deputed to dragging the sheets had worn out due to the use of about 30 years. Work was done to restore the ribs to their original geometry and thickness (as well as other parts that were conspicuously damaged); after testing, all parts underwent surface anodizing treatment to ensure longer life.

2. OLD INSTRUMENTS, NEW COVERS

Here the protective covers for the on-board instruments were made. It often happens that dated but still fully functional on-board instruments no longer have the sunscreen cover because it is no longer produced by the manufacturer. Hence the idea of making compatible covers that fit the instrument. This photos are of covers compatible with Raymarine ST60 instruments, but Nautica 3D has made many others.

3. AQUASCOOTER MOUNTS

In the images below, the design and production of jet ski mounts. Jet skis are usually delivered to the customer inside very bulky containers made of Styrofoam. This gives rise to the problem of having mounts that can be attached to the deck of the boat or catamaran on which to anchor the jet ski while still allowing it to be easily picked up for use.

4. NEW CUSTOM PRODUCTS AND REPLICAS

Nautica 3D deals with the development and implementation of products from scratch. These include, for example, a new custom handle pocket that can be customized either by color or by logos or initials or whatever. Or, it makes replicas of parts that are now discontinued, as in the case of this pulley, the design of which was done from the study of the worn product.

5. EDUCATIONAL KITS.

Finally, Educational Kits for sailing schools, instructors or race officials. Find a description of the components within the Nautica 3D page.

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