Customised Ship Model Factory

1. Digital Pre-processing

3D Data Acquisition

A blue light scanner was used to collect millimetre-level point clouds of the prototype ship. Reverse engineering software was used to repair missing structures, with a focus on retaining characteristic details such as rivet arrangements and porthole curves. During the data optimisation stage, a 0.1 mm processing allowance was retained.

Model Modular Design  

The entire ship is divided into modules such as the hull, superstructure, and deck equipment. The hull adopts a hollow double-layer structure design with pre-set reinforcement grid inside. Small components like anchor chains are modelled separately and scaled up by 15% to compensate for post-processing shrinkage.

2. Precision Printing Stage

Multi-material Combination Printing

The main hull is printed using grey high-tensile resin, while the transparent porthole sections are printed simultaneously using UV-curable transparent material. Critical load-bearing areas such as the mast base are embedded with 0.5mm stainless steel core shafts.

Support Structure Optimisation

Algorithms are used to generate tree-like soluble supports, ensuring perfect formation of structures with overhangs exceeding 45°. Support contact point simulations are conducted prior to each print batch.

III. Post-Processing Techniques

Surface Finishing

Industrial-grade ultrasonic cleaning to remove residual resin

Microscopic grinding tools are used to treat seam lines, particularly at the connection between the bridge and the smokestack

All through-hole structures are manually corrected with a 0.3mm drill bit.

Detail Enhancement

The ship name plaque made from etched plates is attached using a macro positioning instrument.

Cables are replicated using wax-coated cotton thread and shaped with a heat gun to achieve a natural drooping effect.

4. Artistic Painting System

Primer treatment

Apply a conductive primer containing metal particles to facilitate adhesion during subsequent electrostatic powder coating processes

Layered colouring technique

First, apply the ship's base colour overall

After masking the waterline area with masking fluid, apply anti-fouling paint

Use a sponge dipped in rust-coloured pastel to create an oxidised transition

Dynamic weathering

Spray tea stains on canvas areas to simulate weathering effects