3D printing is rapidly advancing and is introduced in more industries every day. Introducing additive manufacturing in complex industries like the aerospace industry, energy, oil & gas and maritime industry is not an easy task. Some parts are complex to make and have extreme quality demands because of the important role of the part in the application.

That is why BMT Additive, a part of BMT Aerospace that focuses on additive manufacturing, joined ProGRAM JIP; a joint industry program of the energy, oil & gas, maritime and aerospace industry to standardize additive manufacturing processes in these industries. The project is an initiative of DNV.

Accomplishments

JIP ProGRAM Phase I

So far, ProGRAM JIP successfully completed two phases. Phase one resulted in the new additive manufacturing standard DNV-ST-B203 using laser powder bed fusion technology.

DNV-ST-B203 is a standard published by Det Norske Veritas (DNV), an international classification society. It outlines the requirements for the design, construction, and operation of offshore pipelines. This standard is used to ensure the safety and reliability of offshore pipeline systems, as well as to protect the environment from potential risks associated with such systems.

JIP ProGRAM Phase II

JIP Phase II had started in late 2020 with a wider attendance from various industries and lasted 2 years. The result was an updated DNV-ST-B203 standard with the addition of Electron Beam Powder Bed Fusion (E-PBF), Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing (WAAM), Directed Energy Deposition (DED) and Metal Binder Jet Fusion (MBJF). Extensive work has been performed with case studies for each technology to support the new standard and make it more usable for the industry. The new B203 standard was released in October 2022.BMT Additive joined the project in this phase and contributed by expanding the standard with E-PBF and a case study with a pump impeller for Equinor.

Ready for phase III

Phase III of the JIP program will be launched in October 2023. A wider range of OEMs will attend the project in this phase. The aim of phase III is to extend the DNV-ST-B203 standard with the following aspects:

  • Design for AM
  • Part Family Qualification
  • Repair/Remanufacturing with AM
  • Post-Processing (surface finishing, heat treatment)
  • Environmental footprint and sustainability

The project includes many part manufacturers that provides the main AM technologies; L-PBF (Laser Powder Bed Fusion), E-PBF (Electron Beam Freeform Fabrication), WAAM (Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing) and DED (Directed Energy Deposition). The Work packages will be supported by case studies with these AM technologies.

ProGRAM JIP Phase III is set to be completed in 2024. We are looking forward to continuing collaboration with valued industry partners and supporting accelerated adoption of Additive Manufacturing.

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