UK industrial valve supplier KOSO Kent Introl (Kent Introl) has partnered with global engineering firm Renishaw to explore the benefits of additive manufacturing (AM) processes. Kent Introl is the first valve parts manufacturer in the UK oil and gas industry to adopt AM technology by installing the advanced RenAM 500Q Flex system at its headquarters in West Yorkshire.
The RenAM 500Q Flex system utilizes laser powder bed fusion technology to produce complex components that are difficult to achieve using conventional methods. With its four 500 W lasers and automated powder handling, engineers experience reduced build time and increased productivity. The system’s flexibility allows for quick changes of metal powders, enabling diverse R&D applications.
By partnering with Renishaw, Kent Introl aims to meet the industry’s growing demand for new solutions, energy efficiency, and carbon emission reduction. The company will use the RenAM 500Q Flex system for R&D purposes and explore the potential of additive manufacturing in optimizing part design, offering on-demand services, and enhancing productivity. This strategic move will enable Kent Introl to diversify rapid part production and meet customer demands promptly.
Stephen Crownshaw, AM Business Manager at Renishaw, stated that Kent Introl’s investment in the RenAM 500Q Flex system is a significant step forward in the adoption of AM technology in the oil and gas industry. Installing the equipment themselves allows Kent Introl to leverage their industry understanding and growing AM knowledge to develop parts and processes that benefit their customers.
Additive manufacturing has been making breakthroughs in the oil and gas industry. Shell recently developed a 3D-printed leak repair clamp to ensure an uninterrupted oil and gas supply. Additionally, researchers at Texas A&M University utilized 3D printing to simulate hydraulic fracturing for oil and gas extraction, optimizing industry recovery efforts.
The partnership between Kent Introl and Renishaw signifies the growing interest and potential of additive manufacturing in the oil and gas sector. By adopting AM technology, companies can unlock new opportunities for customization, efficiency, and safety in this industry.
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