New-generation 3D printed propeller certified by Bureau Veritas

Bureau Veritas (BV) has certified a new-generation 3D printed propeller manufactured by Naval Group.

New-generation 3D printed propeller certified by Bureau Veritas
Photo: Naval Group

With its 2.5-metre span supported by five 200-kg blades, Naval Group manufactured this new-generation propeller thanks to a metal 3D printing process.

Mounted on a Tripartite-class minehunter, the propeller will now accompany the ship on all of its operational missions.

The propeller is a technological achievement, as the largest metal 3D-printed propeller ever manufactured, and the first one made using additive manufacturing technology to equip a military ship in operation.

Obtaining military naval quality requires rigorous development. Bureau Veritas has been involved at every step of the manufacturing and testing process. 

Emmanuel Chol, Director of the Naval Group Nantes-Indret site, added:

"Including Bureau Veritas from the very beginning was vital for us to reach our goal of bringing the WAAM (Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing) process from its research & development stage to actionable industrial standards. In this regard, we are very proud to have obtained BV’s certification of the 3D-printed propeller blades, reflecting the industrial maturity of Naval Group as well as our capacity to meet the highest and most rigorous of standards."