This is the most fun example of how to use 3D printing I have seen so far! Jan-åge Sundquist, engineer at Equinor's Hammerfest LNG plant, needed a clamp for a safety test on a critical valve but didn’t quite succeed when trying to weld one in his own garage. So, he grabbed a toilet paper tube (!), a marker and scissors, and sent pictures of the prototype to the Additive manufacturing team in Equinor. After a few days he received the 3D printed clamp he needed. Broken parts are sometimes hard to replace, it can take a long time to get it and be expensive. 3D printing simplifies access to parts, and in this case, it improves the safety of equipment we regularly test. This simple application of 3D printing technology is just one of many examples in Equinor. In fact, additive manufacturing contributed to approximately USD 20 million in savings on new parts last year. In addition, there are considerable savings from reduced downtime, reduced flaring, reduced extra man hours and improved safety. There is also less waiting involved for the people who want to get the job done. We have been working actively to qualify additive manufacturing for over a decade. We continue to develop knowledge of new materials and methods and believe that there will be many new use cases for significant value creation in the coming years. Now we want more people in Equinor to learn about the possibilities and think 3D first, and not as a last resort. We already have 3D printers at 40 installations offshore and onshore, for educational purposes, making non-critical parts. To get the land organization onboard, we are also setting up so-called Makerspaces in offices in Norway. Here, people can test it out, print door stoppers, coat hooks or a cover for their phone. Transformation comes when we get people involved, and I believe that nothing is as convincing as trying it yourself. Then we can get many more create people to use 3D, just like Jan Åge. #3D #additivemanufacturing
This picture is from AM North AS in Hammefest. They have series production in 3D to Equinor - Fantastic 👏 👏 👏. The Norwegian minister from Energidepartementet (Norge) MR Terje Aasland was impressed during his visit to NorSea Polarbase in Hammerfest Kommune and Barentshavkonferansen - Barents Sea Conference & Expo earlier this year!
Special tools and not critical parts are typical examples of application for 3D parts. Anyway also critical parts are already installed and successfully replacied traditional manufactured spare parts. It needed years to tests, verify them cycling and get lessons learned but with main oil&gas and thermal power plant applications are now covered. Continuos monitoring activities are done , of course
It was in 2005 when I first experienced the magic of 3D printing. Using it for prototyping felt surreal, and now, additive manufacturing has become an integral part of the manufacturing process. 🛠️✨ Additive manufacturing not only produces complex parts but is also environmentally friendly. 🌍✨ Waste Reduction: 3D printing reduces waste through targeted production and uses less energy than conventional manufacturing techniques. ♻️🔋 Precise Material Control: This technology provides precise material control, enhancing sustainability in the energy sector. 🌿🔧 Cost Efficiency: By significantly reducing the cost of expensive parts, 3D printing makes components like those in the fuel cells business cheaper and more affordable. 💸⚡ 3D printing is revolutionizing the manufacturing and energy sectors, driving us towards a more sustainable future. 🚀💡 Glad Equinor is investing in this remarkable technology. Hege Skryseth, thank you for sharing your insights.
Great example of practical value creating use of 3D printing. Lets see more good use at Hammerfest LNG in the future👏👏
Agree, 3D scanning and 3D printing create many opportunities. This is a revolution in the oldtimer car scene where obsolete parts, or parts which cost an arm-and-a-leg, are recreated exact and at low cost. On the other hand, nothing beats taking out the welding machine, you can not impress your colleague with a perfect printed 3D piece, the perfect welding beat will do it. For sure, coexistence is key.
Nice case story! From my experience, 3D printing can also add value to the supply chain, creating smart parts and allowing complex solutions to be installed in the field (after qualification)
A great practical example of how to solve a problem quickly, creating significant value. AM materials and processes have now matured enough to make this possible and availability of 3D cloud-native CAD ensures creation of the virtual part can be accomplished, anytime, anywhere.
Great story and fantastic AM engagement from your company! 💙 💚 We highly value your contribution and collaboration - lets scale up the AM mindset!
Leader communication, Equinor
6moI took this photo when I visited the @equinor Rotvoll lab about a year ago. One old and broken ‘swan neck’ and a new 3d-printed replacement. It is just so cool what the Equinor 3d team is doing to build this value chain, though in a way, so simple and obvious as well. Digital warehouse indeed. Additive manufacturing also has the possibility to ensure local employment. In instances where building spare parts tends to be specialised and centralised. 3d printing can ensure more local businesses closer to operations are able to maintain a sustainable business.