Vallourec, the global leader in demanding solutions in segments like Energy, O&G and other industries, has recently launched an ambitious program to become a provider of 3D printed parts in O&G.
The stated aim of the Vallourec program is to support O&G companies in their desire to reduce their physical inventories and improve the effectiveness of their supply chain by 3D printing components on demand using wire arc additive manufacturing technology. The key benefits are extreme flexibility, reduced lead time, optimized design including weight reduction, storage of digital files instead of materials and going live with digital inventory.
The current focus is on the alloys most needed in the O&G industry, i.e. low alloy, high strength steels and corrosion resistant alloys. voestalpine Böhler Welding has met Vallourec's objectives from the outset and not only supplies high quality wire feedstock specifically designed for Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing - Böhler Welding also provides its recognized broad expertise in metallurgy and applications.
Customer success is core to everything we do at Böhler Welding and it inspires our partnerships, the possibilities to create more value for our customers are endless.
After an intensive development and evaluation phase, Vallourec is now ready to serve the O&G industry with efficient solutions. While the journey is only just at the beginning, voestalpine Böhler Welding meets all the requirements to support Vallourec with further challenges and alloying needs.Specifically, voestalpine Böhler Welding assisted Vallourec in testing, evaluation and qualification of a quench & tempered specific very high strength steel alloy (yield strength >900 MPa) and a challenging precipitation hardening nickel based alloy (Type 718).
Technical expertise has been provided to optimize material properties and process efficiency under the specific conditions of Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing.
