Dr. Marina AlcoverAcademic director focused on measurable results and operational excellence in maritime education. Integrates IMO/STCW regulations and ISO 21001/9001 f
Course · 300 h · 5 modules
Introduction to 3D Printing for Boats Course
courseThis course will provide you with the tools and knowledge necessary to revolutionize the way you approach the design, repair, and customization of vessels. You will learn everything from the fundamentals of 3D printing…
Duration300 h
FormatOnline
Starts21 December
Places20 / 20
Prior knowledge
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Programme overview
What is the Introduction to 3D Printing for Boats Course?
The Introduction to 3D Printing for Boats
course
This course will provide you with the tools and knowledge necessary to revolutionize the way you approach the design, repair, and customization of vessels. You will learn everything from the fundamentals of 3D printing technology to its practical application in the nautical sector, exploring materials, modeling software, and optimization techniques. This course is designed for boat owners, shipbuilders, engineers, and enthusiasts looking to innovate and optimize their marine projects.
Key Benefits
- Master 3D Printing: From basic theory to advanced practice focused on marine applications.
- Reduce Costs and Time: Learn to create custom parts and prototypes quickly and efficiently.
- Customization and Repair: Discover how to manufacture unique components or hard-to-find spare parts.
- Marine Materials: Learn about the properties and applications of filaments and resins ideal for marine environments.
- 3D Design and Modeling: Acquire basic skills to create and adapt models to your specific needs.
Programme type
Course
Study mode
Online
Duration
300 hours
Modules
5
Start date
09-12-2026
Programme highlights
- 3D Printing Fundamentals: Discover the key technologies, materials, and processes applied to the naval sector.
- Design and Modeling for 3D Printing: Learn to create 3D models optimized for manufacturing nautical components.
- Applications in the Naval Industry: Explore success stories and opportunities for 3D printing in shipbuilding, repair, and customization.
- Complete Workflow: From the initial idea to the final part, master every stage of the 3D printing process.
- Optimization and Post-Processing: Improve the quality and functionality of your printed parts with advanced techniques.
- Acquire the skills needed to innovate in the naval industry with 3D printing.
Curriculum
Programme Structure
The programme is structured in 5 modules, listed below in order of study.
01
Fundamentals of 3D printing applied to the nautical sector and general principles of additive manufacturing for boats
- Additive manufacturing concept and differences between 3D printing, machining, molding and other traditional nautical manufacturing processes
- Evolution of 3D printing and its progressive incorporation in the design, prototyping, repair and production of components for boats
- Main 3D printing technologies applicable to the naval field: FDM, SLA, SLS, resins, powders and deposition processes of materials
- Advantages and limitations of 3D printing on boats: speed, customisation, waste reduction, resistance and technical conditions
- Initial applications in the maritime sector: prototypes, auxiliary parts, spare parts, models, tools and non-structural components
02
3D printing materials for nautical applications and selection criteria according to use, environment and technical requirement
- The most used thermoplastic materials: PLA, ABS, PETG, nylon and its basic characteristics for applications related to boats
- Resins, technical materials and reinforced compounds: properties, finishes and possibilities of use in specific nautical parts
- Behaviour of materials against moisture, salinity, UV radiation, temperature and wear in marine environment
- Material selection criteria according to the function of the piece: prototyping, decorative use, functional part, support or workshop tool
- Compatibility between mechanical strength, weight, flexibility, durability and ease of printing in the nautical context
03
Digital design, basic modelling and preparation of files for printing parts and prototypes for boats
- Introduction to 3D modelling applied to nautical parts: simple shapes, dimensions, tolerances and basic constructive logic
- Initial use of design software to create functional parts, supports, accessories and custom components for boats
- Reading, editing and adapting STL, OBJ and other formats used in 3D printing for nautical prototyping
- Design principles for additive manufacturing: thicknesses, gaps, supports, orientation and reduction of printing errors
- Preparation of the file in laminator software: Layer height, fill, speed, temperature and general part configuration
04
Equipment, configuration and 3D printing process for the production of basic components in the nautical field
- Typologies of 3D printers and criteria for choosing suitable equipment for uses related to boats and nautical workshops
- Main components of a 3D printer: extruder, bed, nozzle, guides, electronics and equipment control systems
- Initial printer configuration: levelling, temperature, calibration, bed adhesion and essential operating parametres
- Complete printing process: loading of material, start of work, monitoring, fault control and safe removal of the part
- Frequent errors during printing: Warping, lack of adhesion, subextrusion, layer shifting, and basic correction strategies
05
Final project of design, printing and evaluation of a basic 3D printing solution for a boat
- Selection of the study case: part, accessory, support or prototype to develop for a boat or nautical workshop environment
- Definition of functional, dimensional and environmental requirements of the piece to be manufactured by 3D printing
- Development of the digital design and technical preparation of the file for printing according to the material and the intended use
- Configuration of printing, prototype manufacturing and quality control of the result obtained
- Functional evaluation of the printed piece: adjustment, basic strength, practical usefulness and possibilities for improvement or redesign
Workload
Study Time and Workload
300 hours of study, online and at your own pace. Move the slider to the hours a week you can really put in.
Hours a week8
Weeks to finish—
You finish around—
Who it is for
Recreational boat owners and marine professionals who want to customize and optimize components, from interiors to plumbing systems.Naval engineering and industrial design students looking to master rapid prototyping and additive manufacturing techniques for marine applications.Marine repair and maintenance companies looking to reduce costs and lead times by creating custom spare parts and spe
Faculty
Academic direction and faculty
The teaching team at Navalis: working professionals who deliver and oversee the institute's programmes.
Eng. Diego Cifuentes
Cap. Javier Abaroa (MCA)
Dr. Pau Ferrer
Dr. Nuria Llobregat
Eng. Javier Bañuls
Eng. Sofía Marquina
Eng. Tomás Riera
Verified reviews
Student Reviews
Reviews collected and verified by Opynio, not written by us.
Outcomes
Learning Outcomes
- 01Evaluate the feasibility of implementing 3D printing in the maintenance and repair of vessels
- 02Understanding the fundamentals of 3D printing technology and its applications in the naval context
- 03Select suitable materials for 3D printing naval components considering their resistance to salt water and durability
- 04Design and manufacture basic prototypes of parts for ships using 3D modeling software and 3D printers
- 05Optimizing the design and production process of naval components through experimentation with 3D printing
- 06Identify the advantages and disadvantages of 3D printing compared to traditional manufacturing methods for the shipbuilding industry
Careers
Career Opportunities
01Nautical Parts Designer: Creation and optimization of ship components using 3D printing.
02Naval Maintenance Technician: Repair and manufacture of spare parts on board using 3D printing.
03Naval Innovation Consultant: Advising shipyards and shipowners on the implementation of 3D printing.
04Boat Builder: Integration of 3D printing into the production of custom-built and bespoke boats.
05D Printing Service Provider for the Naval Sector: Offering 3D printing solutions to companies in the sector.
06Researcher and Developer: Exploration of new materials and 3D printing techniques for naval applications.
07Educator and Trainer: Delivery of courses and workshops on 3D printing in The maritime sector.
08Entrepreneur: creating your own business related to 3D printing for ships.
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Questions
Entry Requirements
The main advantage is the ability to create complex, lightweight, custom parts on demand, reducing production costs and delivery times.
Yes. The itinerary includes ECDIS/Radar-ARPA/BRM with harbor, ocean, fog, storm, and SAR scenarios.
Online with live sessions; hybrid option for simulator/practical placements through agreements.
Common materials include fiber-reinforced plastics (such as nylon and ABS), epoxy resins, metals (such as stainless steel and aluminum), and composite materials.
Recommended functional SMCP. We offer support materials for standard phraseology.
Yes, with a relevant degree or experience in maritime/port operations. The admissions interview will confirm suitability.
Optional (3–6 months) through Companies & Collaborations and the Alumni Network.
Simulator practice (rubrics), defeat plans, SOPs, checklists, micro-tests and applied TFM.
A degree from Navalis Magna Institute + operational portfolio (tracks, SOPs, reports and KPIs) useful for audits and employment.
Online admissions
Admissions Process
No waiting for a phone call. If your documents are complete, you can pay in the same session.
Entry requirements
Academic/Professional Profile:Basic knowledge of technical design or 3D modeling; or experience in shipbuilding or ship repair.Technical Competence:Familiarity with CAD/CAM software is an advantage; basic knowledge of plastic materials and their behavior.Documentation:Updated CV, cover letter explaining your motivation to learn about 3D printing in the shipbuilding industry.Technical Requirements (for online):Computer capable of viewing 3D models, stable internet connection.```
Questions?
Frequently Asked Questions
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