Voltage Vessels Unveils Eclipse X9: A New Era in Marine Composites

Problem Marine structures have traditionally relied on fiberglass laminates, which are manufactured at fixed facilities and transported to deployment sites. This approach is logistically challenging and environmentally taxing. Additionally, existing printed marine composites have struggled to demonstrate validated long-term performance in harsh saltwater environments, limiting their adoption in critical applications.

Solution Hawaii-based Voltage Vessels has introduced Eclipse X9, a novel composite material designed for large-format additive manufacturing (LFAM). This material combines recycled PETG with basalt fiber reinforcement, offering a sustainable and high-performance alternative for marine applications. Eclipse X9 is available in both pellet and filament forms, catering to a wide range of LFAM systems:

- **Pellet Supply**: Compatible with robotic extrusion systems like Caracol/CEAD and gantry machines such as CMS/JuggerBot. Bulk volumes are available for contract manufacturing. - **Filament Options**: Offered in 1.75 mm and 2.85 mm diameters, suitable for desktop FFF printers up to large-format units like the Elegoo OrangeStorm Giga class.

The material's development was independently validated by the Advanced Structures and Composites Center (ASCC) at the University of Maine. Testing followed ASTM D638 and D790 standards, with additional marine scantling analysis under ISO 12215. Key performance metrics include:

- **Tensile Strength**: 108.2 MPa - **Bending Strength**: 112.98 MPa - **Bending Modulus**: 12 GPa - **Heat Deflection**: Above 70°C - **Water Absorption**: Under 0.4%

Saltwater immersion trials lasting between 24 and 26 months demonstrated that Eclipse X9 retains over 90% of its strength, making it ideal for marine environments. The nonconductive, radio frequency-transparent, and low radar signature properties of basalt fiber further position the material for defense and autonomous maritime systems.

Results Voltage Vessels is leveraging Eclipse X9 to design the Nāia 25, a 25-foot electric research power catamaran. While the vessel is still in the design and engineering phase, production trials of the material have already begun. Early feedback highlights positive attributes such as printability, bead consistency, surface quality, stiffness, and ease of handling.

The company is also exploring color options for marine applications, including naval gray, bronze sand, and lighter shades to minimize heat buildup while maintaining the visible basalt fiber texture.

"The material travels. The production stays local," Voltage stated, emphasizing the potential for distributed manufacturing near the point of need.

Beyond marine vessels, Eclipse X9 opens possibilities for:

- Electric research vessels and USVs - Ocean monitoring buoys - Reef and coastal restoration structures - Tooling and molds - Marine infrastructure

The material supports closed-loop mechanical recycling, allowing finished parts to be shredded, converted back into pellets, and reprinted without material waste.

Voltage Vessels, positioning itself as a materials company that manufactures rather than a manufacturer of materials, is now accepting sample orders, technical evaluations, and application-specific inquiries.

##