Huisman scales up its AM capability for 350 metric tonne crane hook
Huisman Equipment, headquartered in Schiedam, the Netherlands, reports it has successfully tested four new additively manufactured 350 Mg (t) capacity crane hooks to the strictest criteria, and under the supervision of the independent maritime certification authority Lloyd’s Register.
The hooks have a loading capacity of 350 Mg (t) and are approximately 170 x 130 cm, almost nine times larger than the first Huisman AM crane hook. Each hook weighs 1,700 kg, and is additively manufactured from around 90 km of wire.
Huisman has been utilising Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing (WAAM) to produce mid-size to large components with high-grade tensile steel. This technique was chosen for the crane hooks as it significantly reduces delivery time at a cost that competes with forgings and castings, and at a more consistent quality level.
“The price of a forged hook increases exponentially with size, especially if it is a non-standard size,” stated Daniel Bílek, Project Coordinator. “If a hook is produced by casting, the problem of inconsistent internal quality could result in longer delivery times. All this led to the idea of making the hooks ourselves, using the so-called WAAM method. After five years of research, development and testing of 3D printed products, we have gained the necessary expertise to use this innovative method for the production of high-quality crane hooks.”
