The Port of Singapore has hosted the delivery of the world’s first 3D printed lifting tool via the Wilhelmsen thyssenkrupp AM fulfilment platform.
The Wartsila-built tool was delivered by drone to a vessel at anchorage at night for the first time. Wilhelmsen said the delivery was part of its ongoing strategy to utilise the growth of the 3D market.
The company said engines often require specialist specialist tools to solve problems and optimise efficiencies with other equipment. The lifting tool, the company is one such example as it is critical to building and servicing large engines.
Wilhelmsen and thyssenkrupp have worked together to optimise delivery of 3D printed parts research new possibilities when bringing the technology to the maritime industry.
The successful nighttime delivery was a clear proof of concept and establishes a solid foundation for potential future collaboration between the companies, Wilhemsen said.
Hakon Ellekjaer, Head of Venture, 3D Printing, Wilhelmsen, said, “We are very excited to embarking on this journey with Wärtsilä. This milestone marks the future of supply chain for the maritime industry and our customers, that are now experiencing a solution that is faster, better and greener.”
Giuseppe Saragò, Director, Smart Technology Hub, Manufacturing Excellence, Wärtsilä Marine Power, also commented, “This represents an outstanding example of how Wärtsilä’s smart approach to manufacturing technologies opens new possibilities not only for manufacturing but also to better servicing our customer.
The tool process creation is faster, less costly, with very high quality standard and safe but clearly reduces the need for stock and allows just-in-time production processes and service support like the one we tested. Such success wouldn’t have been possible few years ago, the differentiator compared to the past has been the capability to exploit emerging technologies combining them to generate immediate value.”