Lincoln Electric and Stress Engineering Services Work with Chevron to Accelerate Refinery Maintenance Using 3D Metal Printing Solution
Lincoln Electric’s additive manufacturing solution delivers parts in 30 days
Cleveland, OH (April 26. 2022) – Lincoln Electric utilized its proprietary large-scale, metal 3D printing solution to deliver just-in-time parts to Chevron USA, Inc. to help bring a refinery back online according to schedule. During a recent routine maintenance shutdown, extended lead times and supply chain delays on traditionally manufactured parts challenged Chevron’s planned restart schedule. Chevron’s Additive Engineering team worked with Lincoln Electric to get back on schedule using additive manufacturing to print critical replacement parts that would meet production and quality standards.
“Our planned maintenance schedule was in jeopardy due to current supply chain issues,” said Robert Rettew, Materials Technology Engineer. “We realized this supply crunch could impact operations and our bottom line. We worked with Lincoln Electric to explore how parts could be created faster so we could resume operations as planned.”
The two teams worked together, along with industry experts from Stress Engineering Services, Inc., to print eight nickel alloy replacement parts that averaged approximately 3 ft. (0.9 m) in length and over 500 lbs. (226 kg) each in a total of just 30 days.
“We are pleased to work with Chevron and showcase the value of just-in-time production using additive manufacturing, and its ability to prevent facility downtime,” said Christopher L. Mapes, Lincoln Electric’s Chairman and CEO. “Metal 3D printing for large-sized metal parts, molds, tooling and prototypes is a game-changing solution for various end markets, including industrial manufacturing, energy and aerospace. When speed-to-market, design flexibility and reduced costs take priority; our printing technology provides the ultimate answer.”
As the largest known, wire metal 3D printing factory in the world, Lincoln Electric’s additive manufacturing solution for high-mix, low-volume applications is capable of printing metal-based parts up to 7 ft. (2.1 m) in length and weighing in excess of 5,000 lbs. (2,265 kg). This innovative technology significantly reduces manufacturing lead times, shortens supply chains, and enables design enhancements that exceed traditional fabrication capabilities. Based in Cleveland, Ohio, Lincoln Electric’s proprietary and patented metal 3D printing solution utilizes its own SculptPrint™ software, robotic cells and welding wire to control quality and ensure a reliable supply chain. To learn more about the measurable value of large-scale 3D metal printing at Lincoln Electric, visit https://additive.lincolnelectric.com/.
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About Lincoln Electric
Lincoln Electric is the world leader in the design, development and manufacture of arc welding products, automated joining, assembly and cutting systems, plasma and oxy-fuel cutting equipment and has a leading global position in brazing and soldering alloys. Headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, Lincoln has 55 manufacturing locations in 18 countries and a worldwide network of distributors and sales offices covering more than 160 countries. For more information about Lincoln Electric and its products and services, visit the Company’s website at https://www.lincolnelectric.com.
About Stress Engineering Services, Inc.
Since 1972, Stress Engineering Services, Inc. has been a global leader in consulting engineering services and solutions for a variety of industries. SES is committed to providing the most comprehensive design, analysis and testing services with an unsurpassed level of engineering integrity and skill. The company’s multi-disciplinary engineering methods, advanced technology, innovative applications and highly knowledgeable and experienced staff provide proven, quantifiable benefits to its worldwide portfolio of clients. Stress Engineering is headquartered in Houston, Texas with offices in Cincinnati, OH; Irvine, CA; Columbus, NJ; and Calgary, AB. For more information, visit www.stress.com.
