'Born from basalt' — How a tiny Hawaii startup is rewriting the rules of naval shipbuilding with 3D printers and 100% recyclable materials
A Hawaii startup, Voltage Vessels, is innovating naval shipbuilding by utilizing 3D printing technology and recyclable materials. Their new boat, made from a composite of recycled plastic and basalt fiber, aims to streamline production and enhance military readiness. This approach could transform traditional shipyard methods, allowing for quicker repairs and replacements in conflict situations.
- ▪Voltage Vessels has developed a 6-meter Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat for U.S. maritime defense evaluations.
- ▪The boat is made using a composite material called Eclipse X9, which combines recycled PETG thermoplastic with basalt fiber.
- ▪Their manufacturing method proposes distributed production hubs that can print hulls from digital files, reducing reliance on traditional shipyards.
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Pro 'Born from basalt' — How a tiny Hawaii startup is rewriting the rules of naval shipbuilding with 3D printers and 100% recyclable materials News By Efosa Udinmwen published 27 May 2026 Pentagon evaluates 3D printed boat built from recycled plastic and basalt fiber When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works. (Image credit: Defence Blog) Copy link Facebook X Whatsapp Reddit Pinterest Flipboard Threads Email Share this article 0 Join the conversation Follow us Add us as a preferred source on Google Newsletter Subscribe to our newsletter Voltage Vessels tests 3D printed naval boat for defense evaluation programEclipse X9 combines recycled plastic with basalt fiber reinforcement materialMaterial shows high tensile strength,…
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