Economics, additional value must be considered before deploying 3D printing

As additive manufacturing, or 3D printing, technologies evolve, the oil and gas drilling industry is increasingly exploring potential applications and benefits, such as less time to market and faster deployment of design changes. The technology can also be valuable when it comes to time-critical part replacements, said Dietmar Reicht, Global Corporate Segment Coordination Oil & Gas at steel-based technology and capital goods group voestalpine. Mr Reicht was among five panelists at the plenary session at the 2018 IADC/SPE Drilling Conference in Fort Worth, Texas, on 7 March. However, despite the many possible benefits, companies should only pursue 3D printing when it provides added value, he cautioned. Watch DC Managing Editor Linda Hsieh’s interview with Mr Reicht to learn more.