Welcome back to our application spotlight series, where we explore real-world 3D printed solutions delivering faster, smarter, and more cost-effective manufacturing. Each week, we highlight how additive manufacturing can replace traditional methods—saving time, reducing costs, and improving performance.
This week, we’re spotlighting a custom 3D printed antenna bracket developed for the Royal Netherlands Navy, replacing a traditionally manufactured metal component.
Strength and stability at sea
On naval vessels, antennas are critical for maintaining communication, navigation, and operational efficiency. These systems depend on strong, stable brackets to secure antenna structures against constant vibration, heavy loads, and exposure to harsh marine conditions. Traditionally, such brackets are machined from metal alloys - an expensive and time-intensive process.
When the Royal Netherlands Navy needed a replacement antenna bracket for one of its landing craft, they turned to 3D printing to deliver a faster, more cost-effective solution without compromising on performance.
Using an UltiMaker 3D printer, the engineering team produced the bracket with Forward AM Ultrafuse PA6 GF30, a high-performance filament reinforced with 30% glass fiber. This material provides exceptional stiffness, high mechanical strength, and excellent thermal stability - making it ideal for demanding defense applications.
Key features and benefits
- High strength and durability PA GF30 reinforcement ensures the bracket can withstand heavy loads, vibrations, and extreme environments.
- Lightweight yet robust Compared to traditional metal manufacturing, the printed part reduces weight without sacrificing stability.
- Rapid turnaround From weeks of waiting for traditional machining to just 20 hours with additive manufacturing.
- Significant cost savings Switching from a custom-machined metal part to 3D printing reduced costs from hundreds of euros down to just €45.
A smarter approach to naval components
The 3D printed antenna bracket showcases how additive manufacturing is transforming part production for defense applications. By leveraging advanced filaments and UltiMaker’s reliable printing technology, the Royal Netherlands Navy can produce critical components quickly, affordably, and on-demand - keeping their fleets mission-ready at all times.
Whether it’s reinforcing communication systems, replacing hard-to-source parts, or designing new equipment, additive manufacturing is proving to be a powerful ally in modern naval operations.
Curious to see how your organization can benefit from 3D printing? Book a call with one of our applications engineers
