After first adopting 3D printing for new design prototyping and tooling, energy giant Shell is now increasingly implementing AM for spare parts, especially in very hard-to-reach areas such as its offshore platforms. Spare parts printing, leveraging metal PBF technologies, enabled Shell 3D Printing to move to a digital supply chain addressing local supply, improve obsolescence management, implement just-in-time inventory and other material supply chain opportunities.

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For very large energy companies, managing spare parts is a major logistical challenge. Too few and the facility might need to shut down. While too many produce waste in terms of capital and storage. The challenge is more acute offshore as there is limited storage capacity and the cost of sending spare parts can be huge. The availability and obsolescence of parts are also a challenge, as obtaining a part for a piece of equipment that is no longer made can be impossible. Several of Shell’s assets are aging and reaching end-of-life. Some major components such as pumps dictate the asset lifetime, as they are so expensive and critical. Without 3D printing, if the compressor […]

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