'RAMLAB is open for business'. That ends the introductory video of the Port of Rotterdam Authority's new 3D metal printing fieldlab that opened late last year. It brings additive manufacturing closer to the port-related industry.
After extensive preliminary research involving industry association Netherlands Maritime Technology, among others, RAMLAB officially opened in November at the RDM Innovation Dock in the port of Rotterdam. Two WAAM (Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing) systems are now in place, according to the website. One setup of four by three metres has a manipulator that can print ship propellers, for example. The other robot can slide along a 6-metre track to weld lifting hooks, for example. This system can be used to make objects larger than 1m3 in size.
World players
Several global players in the field of robotisation, engineering, certification and software have joined RAMLAB, such as Valk Welding, VandeGrijp, Royal Roos, Autodesk and IBM. Here, they share their knowledge or make their equipment available. RAMLAB's main mission is to work towards a future where parts can be printed 'on demand'. This will reduce financial risks, among other things. It will start with the printing of socket screws; in a few years, objects of several metres should also be printed.
A scale model of a ship's propeller has already been printed, this month the real propeller will come out of the printer and be attached to a ship. Vincent Wegener is the managing director and co-founder of the lab and sees with satisfaction how specialists are busy making and testing parts every day. "I think in particular there are still gains to be made in terms of piece production and speed. For large parts, the delivery time sometimes takes months to a year. We think we can make a difference there."
Global rollout
RAMLAB hopes to accelerate the adaptation of 3D printing in the maritime sector around the world. Wegener envisions global 'hubs' where metal parts are printed to order. With software from the cloud. "Currently, there are all kinds of storage areas in the port full of parts that are hardly ever used. If you can soon print spare parts on demand, it will ultimately work much more efficiently. End users are also leading the way in terms of technologies. The fact that we focus specifically on the port area makes RAMLAB unique in the world."
By: Kelly Bakker
Photos: Kelly Bakker
