Application of the week: Water filter

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 water filter developed for the Royal Netherlands Navy, replacing a traditionally manufactured Inconel component.

Keeping naval operations flowing smoothly

In maritime environments, water filtration is critical. Filters ensure that onboard systems—from engines to potable water supplies—remain free from debris and contaminants. The challenge? Naval-grade filters are often made from expensive, corrosion-resistant alloys such as Inconel, which require long lead times and costly machining.

When the Royal Netherlands Navy needed a replacement filter, they turned to 3D printing as a faster, more economical solution.

Using an UltiMaker 3D printer, the engineering team produced the filter with a dual-material approach:

• Silver PLA Metal for a rigid, durable structure with a metallic finish
• Spring is printed with TPU for flexibility

This material combination delivered the required strength and corrosion resistance while drastically reducing production costs and lead times.

Key features and benefits

• Lightweight yet durable The Silver PLA Metal provides a strong structural frame, while TPU ensures flexibility where it’s needed.
• Custom-fit design 3D printing allowed the filter to be tailored precisely to the ship’s existing system, ensuring seamless integration.
• Rapid turnaround From a 2-month wait for traditional manufacturing to just 1 day with additive manufacturing.
• Significant cost savings The switch from Inconel to 3D printed materials resulted in:
• From €1,600 to €30 – a 98% cost reduction
• 59 days saved – cutting lead time by over 95%

A new wave of naval manufacturing

The Royal Netherlands Navy’s water filter is a prime example of how 3D printing is redefining spare part production for critical systems in defense operations. By combining advanced materials and UltiMaker’s versatile printing capabilities, essential components can be produced quickly, affordably, and on-demand—even in remote or challenging environments.

Whether you’re replacing hard-to-source parts or designing new equipment, additive manufacturing offers the flexibility and speed to keep operations running smoothly

Curious to see how your organization can benefit from 3D printing?Book a call with one of our applications engineers