Cerakote®: The Unsung Hero Behind Nakai Robotics' Revolutionary PLECOS Robots

In the relentless pursuit of maritime efficiency and environmental stewardship, Nakai Robotics has emerged as a trailblazer with its autonomous hull-cleaning robot, PLECOS. Designed to combat the pervasive issue of biofouling—where marine organisms adhere to ship hulls, increasing drag and fuel consumption—PLECOS represents a fusion of cutting-edge technology and innovative materials.

The Biofouling Challenge - Biofouling not only escalates operational costs by necessitating additional fuel but also poses environmental risks by introducing invasive species into delicate marine ecosystems. Traditional cleaning methods often fall short, especially under stringent port regulations that prohibit in-water cleaning due to contamination concerns. Recognizing this, Nakai Robotics developed PLECOS to operate within ports, equipped with proprietary filtration systems that prevent debris from polluting local waters.

3D Printing: The Backbone of PLECOS - At the heart of PLECOS lies an intricate assembly of over 1,500 components, with approximately 300 parts produced through Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) 3D printing. Utilizing Formlabs' Fuse Series printers and Nylon 12 GF Powder, Nakai ensures that these parts possess the necessary tensile strength and dimensional accuracy to withstand the rigors of underwater operation.

Cerakote®: Enhancing Durability and Longevity - While SLS 3D printing provides structural integrity, the harsh marine environment—characterized by saltwater exposure and high-pressure conditions—demands additional protection. Enter Cerakote®, a high-performance ceramic coating developed by NIC Industries. After extensive testing, Nakai Robotics adopted Cerakote to coat their SLS-printed components, significantly enhancing their resistance to corrosion and wear. This coating ensures that PLECOS can operate reliably for extended periods, reducing maintenance needs and prolonging the robot's operational lifespanIn the relentless pursuit of maritime efficiency and environmental stewardship, Nakai Robotics has emerged as a trailblazer with its autonomous hull-cleaning robot, PLECOS. Designed to combat the pervasive issue of biofouling—where marine organisms adhere to ship hulls, increasing drag and fuel consumption—PLECOS represents a fusion of cutting-edge technology and innovative materials.

A Sustainable Solution for the Maritime Industry - By integrating advanced manufacturing techniques with protective coatings like Cerakote, Nakai Robotics offers a sustainable solution to the maritime industry's biofouling problem. PLECOS not only improves fuel efficiency and reduces greenhouse gas emissions but also aligns with environmental regulations by preventing the spread of invasive species. As the shipping industry continues to seek eco-friendly innovations, the collaboration between Nakai Robotics and Cerakote exemplifies how technological synergy can lead to meaningful environmental impact.

For more information on how Cerakote can be incorporated into your project, contact a Cerakote Account Manager at 1-866-774-7628 or click here to email us.