ABS and HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) have signed a joint development agreement (JDP) to advance 3D printing for onboard manufacturing of repair parts. The consortium, which includes ABS, HHI, 3D printer manufacturer CScam, and digital library developer KITECH, aims to support rapid maintenance, repair, and operations (MRO) on merchant vessels using metallic materials.
This JDP builds on a previous memorandum of understanding (MoU) and details a framework and methodology for assessing parts fabricated at sea. The initial focus is on non-class parts, using onshore printed samples as benchmarks.
In addition to the JDP, ABS, HHI, and CScam are pursuing New Technology Qualification (NTQ) procedures for additive manufacturing systems. HHI and CScam have achieved NTQ Stages 1 and 2 from ABS, marking the first NTQ for additive manufacturing in Korea.
“This is the first time a class society has been involved from the beginning of such research, and ABS is proud to provide guidance and our deep technological experience to this distinguished group of companies,” said Dr. Gu Hai, ABS Vice President, Technology.
“We look forward to exploring the possibilities of additive manufacturing, which promises to support more efficient operations in the maritime industry.”
This partnership aims to enhance the efficiency of maritime operations through innovative 3D printing applications, potentially transforming maintenance and repair processes on merchant vessels. The collaboration signifies a critical step in integrating advanced manufacturing technologies into the maritime industry.
Source: marinelink.com