Shell’s AM centre wins Lloyd’s coveted ‘badge of excellence’
17 Jul 2019
Lloyd’s Register has awarded a prestigious best practice qualification to Shell’s groundbreaking 3D printing facility in recognition of the quality of its work.
Shell’s Technology Centre site manager Andreas Nowak (pictured left) commented: “This qualification demonstrates that our 3D printing facilities are among the best in the field and we are now looking at ways in which we can use this technology to create components and other assets for Shell.”
The centre, based in Amsterdam, received the qualification following an audit that included a full review of Shell’s systems and procedures to provide proof of additive manufacturing process and quality control excellence, in order to demonstrate best practice in 3D printing capability.
LR lead auditor and metallurgy specialist Rob Bambach said: “This is a great achievement for Shell and is a direct result of the 3D Printing Centre of Excellence’s commitment to reduce operation risk and rework through implementing high quality additive manufacturing processes and quality controls.
“A facility qualification is a badge of excellence, demonstrating value and providing assurance to customers and other key stakeholders.”
Shell is now aiming to achieve develop the world’s first pressure vessel created using 3D printing expertise and facilities.
This qualification demonstrates that our 3D printing facilities are among the best in the field
Andreas Nowak, site manager, Shell Technology Centre
“We see huge potential in using digital manufacturing to create innovative solutions for the markets we operate in,” remarked Nowak.
Lloyd’s Register has developed from its 18th century origins as a marine classification society into a professional services provider for engineering and technology.
Since 2014 LR has been involved in researching additive manufacturing processes and began auditing printing facilities two years later. In 2017, it became the first validation, certification and accreditation body ever to certify a 3D component for the oil and gas industry – a pipeline manifold component for the Safer Plug Company.
Profits generated by its activities fund the Loyd’s Register Foundation which wholly owns LR and supports STEM-related research and education.
Photo: Andreas Nowak with Lloyd's Register business director Pascal Coudeville
View the video below to see 3D printing in action at the Shell Technology Centre.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VF7Wvx9KpHo
