Additive manufacturing technologies and processes have the ability to fabricate products from digital files. It can use a print-head without molds and tools to supply prototypes and finished products, allowing industries to adopt lean manufacturing practices with the help of leading AM companies like FTI (Falcon Technologies International).
Compared to conventional manufacturing, 3D additive manufacturing uses a layer-by-layer process to manufacture products, which cuts costs and reduces wastage. Experts believe that AM is all set to disrupt the oil and gas sector and that the widespread adoption of this technology is inevitable.
These properties make additive manufacturing ideal for the oil and gas sector. Here’s how it’s taking over the industry.
Why Is Additive Manufacturing Ideal?
Unlike conventional manufacturing, additive manufacturing (AM) doesn’t need lots of equipment, or raw material, for that matter. Unlike traditional manufacturing, it can make parts and add material, where a component is subtracted. AM doesn’t require large production facilities, molds, heavy machinery, and tools.
How Does Oil & Gas Sector Use AM?
Here’s how additive manufacturing is disrupting the oil and gas sector:
No Physical Stock
The oil and gas sector uses AM to improvise supply chain efficiency and boost gains by reducing lead times for resource procurement. It also leads to a lower need for warehousing and storage because the designs and models are stored digitally.
For instance, FTI’s DIS solution offers companies futuristic Industry 4.0-centric virtual storage for spare parts, enabling on-demand production.
Lower Carbon Footprint
With no need for physical stock, businesses in the oil and gas sector also don’t require component transportation. Ultimately, it reduces their carbon footprint in more ways than one. For example, by partnering with AM leaders like FTI, companies can take Just In Time manufacturing and green warehouse management initiatives.
Decentralized Manufacturing
Additive manufacturing uses digital connectivity principles and distributed production capabilities to make components and equipment. This could move the oil and gas sector to decentralized manufacturing.
Companies move manufacturing to a location close to where the components are supposed to be used. For instance, they can move to an oil platform.
Improve Functional Life
With additive manufacturing tools, oil and gas companies can also improve the functional life of assets and products used in the oil and gas industry. Some replacement parts are hard to procure once they become obsolete. However, they can be easily repaired using additive manufacturing to extend their useful lifespan and reduce equipment costs.
Economical Low-Volume Production
3D printing technology eliminates the need for expensive tools and larger lead times. AM makes it easier to lower production costs, making low-volume production cost-effective, unlike conventional methods.
It also allows parts to be designed, built, prototyped, and tested inexpensively yet swiftly. This way oil and gas sector can find defects and risk early on.
If you operate in the oil and gas sector in the UAE and are looking for 3D printing solutions, Falcon Technologies International can help. They’re the leading 3D printing company in the Middle East, helping oil and gas companies to build components and improve supply chains.
By partnering with FTI, oil and gas companies can reduce reordering CAPEX and inventory costs to increase revenue, while also enabling legacy part manufacturing by adopting DfAM techniques and increased part functionality through simplified manufacturing techniques.
Get in touch with them today to learn more about how their 3D printing services can benefit your company.
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