Additive manufacturing joint industry project

Lloyd’s Register Energy and TWI have launched a joint industry project (JIP) that invites companies from across the world to tackle the current and future issues faced by manufacturers supplying the energy industry. This latest JIP focuses on additive manufacturing and is called ‘certification of laser powder additive manufactured components for industrial adoption in the energy and offshore sectors’. The event attracted interest from companies worldwide, including Shell UK Ltd., FMC Technologies, Scottish Power, Tru-Marine pce Ltd., SPRING Singapore and Technip UK Ltd.

The JIP’s sponsors will be able to gain early adoption of ‘approved’ additive manufacturing practiced for their products. This will give them a competitive advantage in today’s price sensitive market, while long term benefits include reduced manufacturing and maintenance costs, faster lead times on complex components, component life extension and increased durability.

“The success of the recent event in Birmingham, UK, is testament to companies recognising the true value that can be gained from collaboration, and joining an initiative that will deliver innovative and ground breaking solutions in digital manufacturing,” says Chris Chung, Head of Strategic Research at Lloyd's Register Energy Technology.

Additive manufacturing, also known as 3D printing, is on the rise, with global trends suggesting that the market is set to grow by 390% in the next seven years. Lloyd’s Register Energy’s recent Technology Radar survey further suggests that additive manufacturing will have a major impact in the oil and gas industry in the next five years.

“Challenges have existed because there has been no standardised way of proving to manufacturers and regulators that printed products are safe,” says Chung. “There have been risks associated with consistency and quality control, long term performance, data integrity, intellectual property, and in both software and hardware used in high precision manufacturing. The JIP will overcome these issues faced by manufacturers through working together.”

Adapted from press release by Rebecca Bowden

Read the article online at: https://www.worldcement.com/europe-cis/14102015/additive-manufacturing-joint-industry-project-770/