Landmark delivery of 3d printed parts

The program, where customers have exclusive access to on-demand additive manufacturing was launched by Wilhelmsen’s Marine Products division in December 2019. Customers include Berge Bulk, Carnival Maritime, Thome Ship Management, OSM Maritime Group, Executive Ship Management and Wilhelmsen Ship Management.

“We are very excited with this milestone – completing one of the first commercial deliveries of 3D printed parts in the maritime industry,” said Hakon Ellekjaer, head of venture, 3D printing, Wilhelmsen Ships Service. “This is just the beginning of the journey, and we are quickly expanding our offering, together with our key development partners, enabling our customers to benefit from the savings provided by 3D printing, digital inventory and on-demand localised manufacturing,” he added.

Wilhelmsen is providing spare parts as part its ongoing cooperation with Ivaldi Group with the parts being monitored in collaboration with class society DNV GL. “Wilhelmsen, Ivaldi, and DNV GL are testing a new universal part tracking system for purposes of quality control, part evolution and traceability of parts,” commented Simon Ratcliffe of DNV GL.

Wilhelmsen and Ivaldi have delivered several 3D printed parts to Berge Mafadi, and scupper plugs were one of the part categories. 3D printed scupper plugs are equally as functional as traditional versions. Making them available through a digital warehousing solution means they are faster and easier to procure worldwide. It also means that only the exact number of parts required are produced, reducing costs and environmental footprint.