In July 2026 WD Hearn visited a niche high-tech 5 Axis CNC builder for Resin, Carbon Fiber, Thermal Plastics and Aluminium applications, Belotti Spa, at their headquarters outside Bergamo, Italy. The primary purpose of the trip was to sign off on the largest 5-Axis machine WD Hearn (Cape Town Office) has ever sold . Belotti has an incredible reputation as one of the major supplier for companies like Ferrari, Bugatti, Lamborghini, Mitsubishi Heavy in the Automotive industry, they are also renowned globally for their technology for the prestigious boat building industry of luxury super yachts and boats, and Americas Cup winners. 
 
In the days prior to the machine sign-off WD Hearn attended a hugely successful and informative additive manufacturing session held at Belotti Spa’s facility in Modena focused on 3D printing on a 5 axis CNC machining Center , using an AM bolt on head - which sits on the side of the 5 axis spindle. The technology is in use in real applications using a unique thermal plastic developed by MOI, the results are remarkable, although the options on material is limited to one for now.

The event was attended by the world’s most prestigious boat and yacht companies. It is safe to say that large format additive manufacturing is now past its infancy phase, and is here to stay - although real cost per part is still to be determined in real life scenarios.