IACS Issues Guidelines for 3D Printing in Marine Applications

IACS has released a new recommendation, Rec.186, to address the integration of Additive Manufacturing (AM), also known as 3D printing, in marine and offshore applications. This standardized approach aims to take advantage of AM’s benefits, such as design flexibility, reduced material waste, and on-demand production. The recommendation, titled ‘Rec. 186: Additively Manufactured Metallic Parts for Marine and Offshore Applications,’ provides guidelines for qualifying, approving, and certifying additively manufactured metallic parts. It covers various aspects of the AM process, including part design, feedstock selection, processes, post-processing, and inspection/testing.

To ensure the reliability and safety of AM technology in marine applications, Rec. 186 aligns with international standards and existing Unified Requirements, particularly focusing on materials and welding. The recommendation outlines key areas such as the scope of the AM process, criticality levels and testing, feedstock and material standards, part design and qualification, and inspection and non-destructive testing. By establishing a verification and certification framework, Rec.186 aims to promote the safe and effective use of AM technology in critical marine contexts.

According to Alexandre Astruc, Chair of IACS’ Expert Group on Materials & Welding, the development of Rec.186 aims to safeguard the benefits of additive manufacturing by providing a standardized framework for verification and certification. IACS will continue collaborating with stakeholders to expand the application of AM in safety-critical marine components. The recommendation emphasizes the importance of adhering to standardized processes to ensure confidence among all parties involved in the integration of AM technology in marine and offshore applications.

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