DNV GL sets up Singapore lab to develop 3D printing technology for O&M sector

DNV GL's group president and chief executive Remi Eriksen said that the establishment of the 3D printing centre is timely due to rising interest in the adoption of additive manufacturing. PHOTO: FACEBOOK/DNV GL

SINGAPORE - Quality assurance and risk management firm DNV GL has set up a 3D printing centre to incubate and test such technologies for the oil and gas (O&G), and offshore and marine sector (O&M).

The new centre, which will be housed within an existing building, will develop competences in the qualification, certification and training for additive manufacturing, also known as 3D printing.

The firm noted that additive manufacturing is receiving greater interest in various industries as its speed and cost become more apparent. Yet, adoption by the O&M sector has been low due to challenges in qualification and certification.

It therefore aims to provide the industry with technical standards and guidelines for qualifying and certifying advanced manufacturing equipment, processes, products, materials and personnel.

DNV GL declined to reveal the investment amount and the additional headcount it will employ from the investment.

The facility will be DNV GL's global competence and service delivery centre for assurance and advisory services in 3D printing and related technologies for the O&G and O&M sectors.

The Norway-headquartered company will also work with local research institutes and industry partners.

For a start, it will be running a collaboration with Sembcorp Marine, SIMTech and NAMIC to develop and certify laser-aided additive manufacturing technology to make large-scale structures for newbuild vessels in Singapore.

It will also work with Australia's Aurora Labs to develop an advanced manufacturing certification standard that will cover its whole value chain from powders to parts.

Group president and chief executive Remi Eriksen said in a stament on Friday (Feb 9) that the establishment of the centre is timely due to rising interest in the adoption of additive manufacturing.

"With our long track record in R&D and strong position in developing industry technical standards, DNV GL's Global Additive Manufacturing Centre of Excellence will play a catalytic role in the O&G and O&M sector," he said.

Economic Development Board assistant managing director Lim Kok Kiang said in the statement that the facility will enhance the manufacturing competitiveness of Singapore's O&M engineering industry.

"This centre of excellence will join a growing ecosystem of advanced manufacturing technology providers in Singapore, attracted by our vibrant and diversified manufacturing sector," he said.

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