SmarTech Releases Manager’s Guides to Oil and Gas & Compact Industrial Metal 3D Printers

It is certainly no secret that oil is where the money is at, around the globe; however, newer technology such as 3D printing and additive manufacturing are slated to offer a $2 billion ‘opportunity’ by 2029 to the oil and gas sector, according to SmarTech. Now, their latest market analysis, ‘Manager’s Guide to Additive Manufacturing in the Oil and Gas Sector,’ is meant to address end-user concerns.

The report explains that investors for oil and gas are ready to buy into the AM market upon a better outlook for their industry after ‘a challenging period.’ Like so many other leaders in manufacturing and production, many in oil and gas seek to take advantage of the massive benefits offered by AM technology. While affordability is a major boon, obviously, 3D printing and AM processes also allow for the creation of new products that may be stronger yet lighter in weight—and previously impossible to create without the advent of such technology. Complex geometries can be created, turnaround in production is often exponentially faster, and parts—as well as refinement of designs—can be completed without a middleman.

Investors in areas like oil and gas are now also becoming more interested due to the successful integration of AM in other applications like aerospace, automotive, and medical.

“The key next phase is going to be the development of clear guidelines and standards – and identify the ideal technologies and materials – for the full industrialization of additive manufacturing into the oil and gas manufacturing workflow,” states SmarTech.

The report is available for licensing for $695, and includes guidelines regarding parts requirements, hardware that is relevant to the oil and gas industry, the best materials and parts for use, and also ‘a critical analysis of the advantages from implementing additive manufacturing in rapid and multiple iteration prototyping, tooling (including jigs and fixtures) and direct part production.’

If you are a part of a company currently using or considering integrating AM practices, you should find the guidelines beneficial. SmarTech expects that suppliers of AM technology would also find the study helpful—although they may also enjoy ‘The Market for Additive Manufacturing in the Oil and Gas Sector 2018-2029.’ This analysis is broader and provides a more expansive ‘forecast’ of the supply chain market.

SmarTech has also released another new report, ‘Manager’s Guide to Compact Industrial Metal 3D Printers,’ targeting end users and machine shops. Here, the analysts explain that they see metal printers best described today as compact industrial metal 3D printers, offering the following benefits to industrial users:

• More accessible price point
• Shorter learning curve
• Compact footprint
• Industrial-level quality

“Recognizing that Machine Shops are one of the most prolific emerging customers in this segment, SmarTech Analysis has utilized their research to create this new Manager’s Guide,” states the company.

The report also compares more traditional technology to 3D printing, like CNC machining. They also mention companies heavily involved in 3D printing with metal such as:

• Markforged
• Desktop Metal
• Xact Metal
• Coherent

SmarTech expects both accessibility and affordability to continue for 3D printing with metal, opening it up to new markets, and offering users an ‘increasing number of options.’

Additional reports will be released in July:

• ‘Manager’s Guide to Post-Processing’
• ‘Manager’s Guides to Hybrid Machines’

SmarTech has provided invaluable insights over the years, from analyses regarding nanometals to projections about the medical realm, and even industries like eyewear or aerospace markets. Find out more about future releases here.

SmarTech is part owned by 3DPrint.com.

What do you think of this news? Let us know your thoughts! Join the discussion of this and other 3D printing topics at 3DPrintBoard.com