SINTEF risk report examines metal Additive Manufacturing in Norway’s oil and gas industry
January 23, 2025
In a recent report by SINTEF, one of Europe’s largest independent research organisations, authors Johan Fahlström and Sander Grønnerød assessed the use and risks associated with the use of metal Additive Manufacturing technology on the Norwegian continental shelf (NCS).
‘Use of AM metal parts on the NCS—A risk perspective’ discusses how the lack of relevant industry standards makes it difficult to develop material or safety data sheets (MDS or SDS) for components used offshore. This lack of readily available information means a steeper learning curve for those adopting Additive Manufacturing.
The research for the 55-page report – funded by Norwegian Ocean Industry Authority (Havtil) – was performed between April-December 2024. Responses from operators in the industry were gathered through a questionnaire.
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The risks of adopting new technology
Using comparatively early-stage technologies like Additive Manufacturing requires a thorough understanding of the process to ensure that they meet requirements in stringent sectors like those undertaken by operators in the NCS, the authors explained. Because of this, many offshore drilling companies consider the technology somewhat risky, despite the benefits that the technology can enable (e.g. lower costs, shorter lead times, point-of-need manufacturing, etc).
However, as the technology develops and broader-scope education becomes more available, the authors anticipate that the use of Additive Manufacturing will increase. Surveyed NCS operators expect to see an increase in additively manufactured components but note that, as well as being slowed by the lack of standards, this is also supply-chain dependent.
The report also detailed potential use cases of different AM technologies – Powder Bed Fusion (PBF-LB and PBF-EB, respectively), Directed Energy Deposition (DED), and cold spray Additive Manufacturing – and materials – steel, stainless steels, titanium alloys and nickel-based superalloys.
The full report is available here.
