Engineering Design, Waterjet, and CNC Machining of Titanium Driveline Components for Custom Boat Builder

The Challenge:

A local boat builder came to us with a design for fabrication of a titanium driveline component for a custom-built large catamaran. Derecktor Design suggested several design modifications to decrease cost and increase precision including an interlocking plate design.

Titanium Driveline Component Design and Fabrication

How We Approached the Task of Building the Driveline Component

Design: The customer came to us with a design for a titanium driveline component. The Derecktor Design engineering team modified the design from a weldment fabrication to a fully fastened fabrication. This reduced cost and production time without sacrificing strength, meaning the modified solution still met the required load specifications for the part.

Fabrication: After creating a new 3-D model to be used for CNC programming, fabrication began. An interlocking plate design was achieved through waterjet cutting of titanium plate followed by CNC machining of critical surface dimensions. Derecktor Design also provided assembly including titanium fasteners which were installed to a specified torque.

Installation: The modified driveline support was successfully installed in a large custom catamaran that was being built by a custom boat builder based in Bristol, RI who specializes in designing and building high performance custom sail and power boats (both traditional wood boats and composite boats).

Bottom View

Here is a look at the assembled piece prior to delivery and installation in the large catamaran.

Top-Right View

Top-right view of the titanium driveline component showing interlocking plate design.

Penmanship

Our special-built titanium driveline component rides in the Aquidneck Custom Boat Builders‘ “Penmanship” catamaran, an Atlantic 72 model large catamaran.

How Can Derecktor Design Help on Your Next Project?

Reach out today to our machine shop, engineers and marine experts. We are ready to help you design, engineer, build, test, and manufacturer your product or project!