Additive manufacturing has gained significant ground in industrial applications. The oil and gas sector, in particular, is looking to additive manufacturing processes to offset the challenges it faces.
The industry encounters several challenges including competition from alternate energy sources, continuing price volatility, lengthy lead time for procuring spare parts that compels them to maintain huge inventories. In that light, it’s even more important to reduce operational costs. Additive manufacturing can not only reduce operational costs but can add a ton of value to oil and gas businesses.
So, what is additive manufacturing and how does it differ from traditional techniques?
The Process
Most traditional manufacturing techniques are subtractive in nature, which means they build a part by subtracting the material. Additive manufacturing, on the other hand, works by adding material to create a product.
Machines
The biggest difference between these two techniques is the level of investment involved. Traditional manufacturing calls for large factories, heavy machinery, molds, tools and skilled workers to operate them. However, additive manufacturing is typically small and require less workers’ involvement to get jobs done.
Creating Complex Parts
Creating complex parts or geometries is very difficult with traditional techniques. However, with additive manufacturing complex parts can be created effortlessly.
Wastage
One of the biggest headaches with conventional techniques is the amount of raw material they waste in the making of a part or product. Wastage is unavoidable with traditional techniques. However, with additive manufacturing, wastage is negligible. It only makes use of the necessary material to create a product, keeping waste to a bare minimum.
Customization
With additive manufacturing customization is easy. However, traditional techniques offer very little scope for customization. Given that you can produce a product of any configuration using 3D printing, it’s the ideal option when you are looking for customization.
Use TMetal’s TMP706-AM
TMP706-AM (equivalent to Stellite 706) is an excellent product for additive manufacturing in the oil and gas industry. It is corrosion-resistant and boasts excellent wear and abrasion resistance at high temperatures.
