The Use of Textures for Maritime Spare Parts
Written by Joanna Carbajal
One of the benefits of additive manufacturing is that complex patterns or textures can be added to parts for advanced performance. At Ivaldi, we are continuously enhancing our capabilities for creating textures for maritime spare parts.
Some of the challenges with adding texture is that it increases file size, print time and material usage. The software workflow can also be complicated because there are multiple softwares needed.
However, there are various benefits with adding texture to maritime spare parts:
- Improves the perceived value of a part.
- Increases grip and functionality.
- Obscures common visual imperfections.
- Creates unique or personalized objects.
- Please see our previous blog, “Additive Manufacturing Allows for Unique Textured Designs.”
In one study, we found that customers view a part as “higher quality” if it has a texture. There are other methods we may use to “enhance” the quality of an FDM part such as:
- Decrease layer height.
- Sand and smooth surfaces.
- Use translucent material.
So far, we have found several textures appropriate for the maritime industry.
While texture increases the functionality and perception of the quality of a part, we are also aware that for complicated, large parts, adding texture will not be appropriate due to time and cost. For such reasons, we will use texture when appropriate. As with all of our work, we will weigh cost, aesthetics and time. If the part is approved for texture, the customer will be able to choose which texture they desire for their part.