Vipra AM in Marine Propeller Manufacturing

In the shipbuilding industry, performance and durability are paramount. Vipra AM’s advanced Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing (WAAM) technology is ideal for marine applications. In this specific case, custom boat propellers were produced by using Vipra AM and CuAl8Ni6 Aluminum-Nickel-Bronze Alloy, a material known for strength, corrosion resistance, and durability in seawater environments. This case study underscores Vipra AM’s potential to revolutionize marine manufacturing, producing robust and highly customized components with minimal lead time and superior durability.

Material Selection: CuAl8Ni6 Alloy
The CuAl8Ni6 alloy, containing aluminum and nickel, was chosen for this application due to its exceptional corrosion resistance, strength, and longevity in seawater environments. This alloy is widely preferred for marine propellers as it provides:

• Superior Corrosion Resistance: Essential for saltwater and brackish water, the alloy resists corrosion and biofouling, contributing to a longer service life for marine applications.
• High Strength and Toughness: The alloy’s mechanical properties are robust enough to withstand the high stresses typical of marine propeller operation.
• Resistance to Cavitation: CuAl8Ni6 resists cavitation and erosion exceptionally well, reducing degradation over time and ensuring consistent, reliable propeller performance.

Benefits of Vipra AM’s WAAM Technology

The application of Vipra AM’s WAAM technology with CuAl8Ni6 alloy in marine propeller production demonstrates several benefits:

• Custom Geometries: Vipra AM enables the production of intricate and customized geometries, meeting specific design and performance requirements that traditional methods may struggle to achieve.
• Reduced Lead Times: Vipra AM allows for rapid, on-demand production of parts, minimizing downtime and delivering a swift turnaround for essential components in the marine industry.
• Material Waste Reduction: compared to traditional casting or machining, WAAM significantly reduces material waste, making the process more economical and environmentally friendly.
• Enhanced Durability: The CuAl8Ni6 alloy ensures the propeller is highly durable, withstanding the rigors of marine environments and providing a dependable service life in aggressive saltwater conditions.
• Extended Service Life: Exceptional corrosion resistance, cavitation resistance, and mechanical strength ensure that propellers produced with this technology are long-lasting, even in harsh marine conditions.
• Sustainable Manufacturing: WAAM reduces material waste and improves resource efficiency, offering a more sustainable alternative to conventional production methods.

Key Manufacturing Facts
TECHNOLOGY: Vipra XP (WAAM, Plasma Arc Deposition)
MATERIAL: CuAl8Ni6
POST-PROCESSING: CNC
SIZE AND WEIGHT: 750 x 750 x 270, 60 Kg/piece
DEPOSITION RATE: 4 kg/h
3D PRINTING TIME: 43 hours

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