Huisman load tests metal additively manufactured offshore crane hook
January 17, 2018
A 5,000 mt offshore crane aboard a subsea vessel (Courtesy Huisman Equipment)
Huisman Equipment, headquartered in Schiedam, the Netherlands, has successfully load tested what is reported to be the world’s first offshore crane hook produced by Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing (WAAM). The crane hook passed load testing up to 80 mt, along with all associated quality control checks according to strict criteria.
This component would typically be manufactured using casting or forging. In using WAAM, Huisman states that it significantly reduced the delivery time and cost of producing this large component. The company also stated that the AM hook was produced to a more consistent level of quality than cast or forged hooks.
In using WAAM, Huisman states that it significantly reduced the delivery time and cost of producing this large component (Courtesy Huisman Equipment)
Huisman employs Additive Manufacturing to produce mid-size to large components with high-grade tensile steel, including a large four-prong hook, with an own printed weight close to 1,000kg. The process allows the manufacture of simple or complex shapes, offers short delivery times and can include local alternative material properties to improve wear and corrosion resistance, for example.
The successful WAAM test results will enable Huisman to extend its range of reliable components that were either physically impossible or commercially unfeasible by other methods. The company reportedly aims to improve the WAAM process further by reducing the cost price for the technique and increasing its manufacturing capability to include the production of items weighing up to 2,500 kg.
