This Hawaii startup is making boats from volcanic rock for the military

3D printed RHIB hull. Image Credit: Voltage Vessels A Hawaii-based company is taking a unique approach to boat manufacturing by combining recycled plastic with volcanic rock-derived basalt fibre. Voltage Vessels, a startup based in Hawaii, has developed a material called ‘Eclipse X9’ which can be used in large-scale 3D printing and is being tested for marine applications. The material has already become part of the company's plans for printed boats, including a 6-metre hull submitted for US maritime defence evaluation. By replacing some conventional manufacturing processes with digital designs and printable composites, the company is exploring whether boats and marine structures could eventually be produced closer to where they are needed, instead of manufacturing them far away and then transporting them over long distances.Company in Hawaii making boats from volcanic rock and recycled plasticTraditional boatbuilding can require specialised molds, extensive labour and fixed manufacturing facilities. Voltage Vessels is exploring a different route, centred on 3D printing and a composite material called Eclipse X9.According to Defence Blog, the Hawaii-based company was founded and is ...