Short course300 h · Online · 5 modules

Introduction to 3D Printing for Boats Course

This course gives you the tools and knowledge to rethink how you approach the design, repair and customization of boats. You will learn the fundamentals of 3D printing technology and its practical use in the nautical sector, from materials suited to the marine environment to basic 3D modeling, file preparation, printer setup and post-processing, so you can produce custom parts, spares and prototypes quickly and at lower cost.

Duration300 h
ModeOnline
Start1 December
Modules5
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About the program

What is the Introduction to 3D Printing for Boats Course?

This introductory course shows you how additive manufacturing can be used on and around boats. You will study how 3D printing differs from machining, molding and other traditional processes; the main technologies, including FDM, SLA and SLS; its advantages and limits in terms of speed, customization, waste and strength; first applications such as prototypes, auxiliary parts, spares, models, jigs and non-structural components; thermoplastics such as PLA, ABS, PETG and nylon, resins and reinforced composites and how they behave with humidity, salt, UV and heat; basic 3D modeling, tolerances and STL and OBJ files; design for additive manufacturing; slicer settings; printer calibration; and the most common print failures and how to fix them.

What sets this course apart: a path from basic theory to hands-on practice focused entirely on maritime applications; a practical approach to making custom parts and prototypes faster and more cheaply; guidance on producing unique components or hard-to-find spares for repair and customization; a clear comparison of the filaments and resins best suited to the marine environment; and a final project in which you design, print and evaluate a real part, accessory or prototype for a boat or nautical workshop.

Program typeShort course
ModeOnline
Duration300 hours
Modules5
Start1 December

Program highlights

  • Additive manufacturing basics: FDM, SLA and SLS compared with traditional processes.
  • Marine materials: PLA, ABS, PETG, nylon, resins and composites in a salty, humid, sunny environment.
  • 3D modeling: simple shapes, tolerances and STL and OBJ files for boat parts.
  • Design for printing: wall thickness, supports, orientation and slicer settings.
  • Printer setup: leveling, calibration and correction of warping and under-extrusion.
  • Final project: a printed and tested part or prototype for a boat.
Syllabus

Syllabus of the Introduction to 3D Printing for Boats Course

5 modules. Select a module to see its content.

Module 1

Fundamentals of 3D printing applied to the nautical sector and general principles of additive manufacturing for boats

  • 1.1. The concept of additive manufacturing and the differences between 3D printing, machining, molding and other traditional nautical manufacturing processes
  • 1.2. The evolution of 3D printing and its growing role in the design, prototyping, repair and production of boat components
  • 1.3. Main 3D printing technologies for the nautical field: FDM, SLA, SLS, resins, powders and material deposition processes
  • 1.4. Advantages and limitations of 3D printing for boats: speed, customization, reduced waste, strength and technical constraints
  • 1.5. First applications in the maritime sector: prototypes, auxiliary parts, spares, scale models, jigs and non-structural components
At this stage
60 hestimated workload
5 wkweeks at your pace
Module 2

3D printing materials for nautical applications and selection criteria by use, environment and technical demand

  • 2.1. The most widely used thermoplastics: PLA, ABS, PETG, nylon and their basic characteristics for boat-related applications
  • 2.2. Resins, technical materials and reinforced composites: properties, finishes and possible uses in specific nautical parts
  • 2.3. How materials behave with humidity, salinity, UV radiation, temperature and wear in the marine environment
  • 2.4. Choosing the material according to the function of the part: prototyping, decorative use, functional part, bracket or workshop tool
  • 2.5. Balancing mechanical strength, weight, flexibility, durability and ease of printing in the nautical context
At this stage
60 hestimated workload
5 wkweeks at your pace
Module 3

Digital design, basic modeling and file preparation for printing boat parts and prototypes

  • 3.1. Introduction to 3D modeling for nautical parts: simple shapes, dimensions, tolerances and basic construction logic
  • 3.2. First use of design software to create functional parts, brackets, accessories and custom components for boats
  • 3.3. Reading, editing and adapting STL, OBJ and other file formats used in 3D printing for nautical prototyping
  • 3.4. Principles of design for additive manufacturing: wall thickness, cavities, supports, orientation and reduction of print errors
  • 3.5. Preparing the file in slicing software: layer height, infill, speed, temperature and general part settings
At this stage
60 hestimated workload
5 wkweeks at your pace
Module 4

Equipment, setup and the 3D printing process for producing basic components in the nautical field

  • 4.1. Types of 3D printer and criteria for choosing suitable equipment for boats and nautical workshops
  • 4.2. Main components of a 3D printer: extruder, bed, nozzle, guides, electronics and control systems
  • 4.3. Initial printer setup: leveling, temperature, calibration, bed adhesion and essential operating parameters
  • 4.4. The complete printing process: loading the material, starting the job, monitoring, handling failures and removing the part safely
  • 4.5. Common printing errors: warping, poor adhesion, under-extrusion, layer shifting and basic correction strategies
At this stage
60 hestimated workload
5 wkweeks at your pace
Module 5

Final project: designing, printing and evaluating a basic 3D-printed part or solution for a boat

  • 5.1. Selection of the case study: the part, accessory, bracket or prototype to be developed for a boat or nautical workshop
  • 5.2. Definition of the functional, dimensional and environmental requirements of the part to be 3D printed
  • 5.3. Development of the digital design and technical preparation of the file according to the material and intended use
  • 5.4. Print setup, production of the prototype and quality control of the result
  • 5.5. Functional evaluation of the printed part: fit, basic strength, practical usefulness and options for improvement or redesign
At this stage
60 hestimated workload
5 wkweeks at your pace
Plan your pace

Duration and format of the Introduction to 3D Printing for Boats Course

It is 300 hours. Tell us how many you can study each week and we will tell you when you will really finish.

4 h30 h
With 12 h per week
6
months to finish
25 weeks
weeks in total

This is the pace at which most students finish. It fits well with the installment plan.

Faculty

Academic leadership and faculty

The Navalis teaching team: working professionals who teach and supervise the programs.

Dra. Marina AlcoverDr. Marina AlcoverAcademic Director and Head of Quality Assurance
Ing. Diego CifuentesEng. Diego CifuentesSenior Lecturer in Naval Welding and Non-Destructive Testing; Head of QA/QC for Welded Joints
Cap. Javier Abaroa (MCA)Capt. Javier Abaroa (MCA)Senior Lecturer in Ship Handling, Electronic Navigation (ECDIS/Radar/ARPA) and GMDSS; STCW Compliance and Bridge Resource Management Coordinator
Dr. Pau FerrerDr. Pau FerrerSenior Lecturer in Naval Architecture and Simulation; Director of the Hydrodynamics and CFD Laboratory
Dra. Nuria LlobregatDr. Nuria LlobregatSenior Lecturer in Marine Meteorology, SAR and Operational Safety; Navigation Risk Management Coordinator
Ing. Javier BañulsEng. Javier BañulsSenior Lecturer in Electrical Engineering, Automation and ETO Engineering; Electronic Integration and Engine Alarms Coordinator
Ing. Sofía MarquinaEng. Sofía MarquinaSenior Lecturer in Materials, Composites and Corrosion Protection; Coordinator of the Advanced Paints and Coatings Line
Ing. Tomás RieraEng. Tomás RieraSenior Lecturer in Propulsion, Alternative Energy and Hybrid Systems; Energy Performance and Vibration Coordinator
Objectives

Objectives of the Introduction to 3D Printing for Boats Course

01Assess the feasibility of using 3D printing in boat maintenance and repair, identifying suitable parts, comparing costs with alternatives and judging how printed materials hold up at sea.
02Understand how the main 3D printing technologies work and their specific advantages and limits for producing nautical components and prototypes, from material choice to post-processing.
03Choose suitable materials for nautical parts by evaluating moisture absorption, UV degradation and resistance to salt water for each application.
04Design and print basic boat part prototypes with 3D modeling software, taking materials and nautical tolerances into account.
05Shorten design cycles and reduce costs through rapid iteration of functional printed prototypes, checking their performance and refining material choices.
06Weigh the pros and cons of 3D printing against traditional manufacturing in boatbuilding and repair, considering cost, time, scalability and the full product life cycle.
Careers

Career opportunities after the Introduction to 3D Printing for Boats Course

01Nautical parts designercreating and optimizing boat components for 3D printing.
02Marine maintenance technicianrepairing equipment and producing spare parts with 3D printing.
03Nautical innovation consultantadvising shipyards and boat owners on introducing 3D printing.
04Boatbuilderintegrating 3D printing into the production of custom and made-to-measure boats.
053D printing service provider for the nautical sectoroffering printing solutions to marine businesses.
06Entrepreneurstarting a business based on 3D printing for boats.
Frequently asked questions

Questions about the Introduction to 3D Printing for Boats Course

The ability to make complex, lightweight custom parts on demand, which reduces production costs and lead times, especially for spares that are hard to find.

Common options include PETG, ABS and nylon, fiber-reinforced plastics, resins and composites. The course explains how each one behaves with humidity, salt and UV.

The course focuses on prototypes, auxiliary parts, spares, jigs and non-structural components, and explains the technical limits that apply to load-bearing parts.

It is recommended for the final project, but not essential to follow the course: the modules on materials, modeling and slicing can be completed with software alone.

No. The course introduces basic modeling from simple shapes, although familiarity with CAD software will help you progress faster.

You choose a part or prototype for a boat, define its requirements, design and print it and then evaluate its fit, basic strength and usefulness.

The course comprises 300 hours of study across 5 modules of 60 hours each, fully online and at your own pace, with practical projects and an active support community.

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Online admission

Admission process

No waiting for a call back. If your documents are in order, you can enroll in the same session.

Entry requirements
  • Profile: aimed at leisure boat owners and nautical professionals, students of naval engineering and industrial design, boat repair and maintenance companies, designers and makers of nautical accessories, and ship-modeling enthusiasts; basic knowledge of technical drawing or 3D modeling, or experience in boatbuilding or repair, is helpful, and familiarity with CAD software is an advantage but not essential.
  • Language: sufficient command of English to follow the classes and the technical documentation.
  • Technical resources: a computer able to display 3D models, a stable internet connection and free 3D modeling and slicing software; access to a 3D printer is recommended for the final project.
  • Admission: online application, review of your profile and a short interview with the academic team.
  1. 01
    Application
    Your details, background and documents.
  2. 02
    Instant review
    We check that everything is complete and in order.
  3. 03
    Enrollment
    Choose full payment or instalments and reserve your place.
Start my applicationFrom $188 deposit

Admission is provisional until the committee validates the documents provided. If you do not meet the requirements, the full amount is refunded.

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