Wilhelmsen announced that it delivered 3D printed parts to Berge Bulk vessel, with scupper plugs being one of the part categories. This delivery is part of a Wilhelmsen’s program for on-demand additive manufacturing, while parts in this program are being monitored in close collaboration with DNV GL.
Through a selection, digitization, and documentation process, every part goes through a quality-control process, where each part is given a print passport number. All necessary documentation regarding the manufacturing, design, and performance requirements of each part is then captured and enclosed with the delivered part.
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Specifically, Wilhelmsen and Ivaldi have delivered several 3D printed parts to the Berge Bulk vessel, and scupper plugs were one of the part categories. There are numerous scupper plugs on a ship. For convenience and readiness, each drainage hole on the open deck has its own scupper plug. Scupper plugs are used for closing drainage holes to prevent oil spills or other contaminant spills on a ship.
According to Wilhelmsen, 3D printed scupper plugs are equally as functional as traditional versions. In addition, they are also an assembly, which means that if a part breaks, that one part can easily be replaced, instead of the whole scupper plug.
Making them available through a digital warehousing solution means they are faster and easier to procure worldwide. It also means, thanks to on-demand manufacturing technologies, that only the exact number of parts required are produced, reducing costs and environmental footprint
Commenting on this development, Espen Sivertsen, CEO of Ivaldi Group said that by sending files rather than scupper plugs, CO2 emissions on this one part can be reduced by some 54%.
