Smarter access for critical operations | How additive manufacturing solved offshore tooling challenges
Challenge
On a remote offshore platform, the routine task of opening a valve had become a daily frustration.
Opening the valve required a specialised wrench. While the tool existed, it was in short supply. Each use meant retrieving it from storage and returning it afterward—wasting time and effort at a time when productivity goals were in focus. Commercially available wrenches were a poor fit and risked damaging the valve, which could result in downtime.
The team needed several identical specialised wrenches, which could be permanently installed near each valve for quick access.
Why ADDMO?
- No standard solution
- Customisation required
- Time sensitive
Our solution
The ADDMO team custom-designed a valve wrench, precision matched to operational needs, and produced it locally, using additive manufacturing. Our approach had three key elements:
The original tool was 3D scanned and recreated as a 3D model. A hole was added to allow the wrench to be hung near the valve for easy access.
The wrench was engineered at ADDMO and stored in the digital warehouse for on-demand production. Design approval and fabrication were completed within days, minimizing lead times and logistics costs.
Produced using durable, corrosion-resistant material suitable for offshore conditions, ensuring longevity and reliability.
Benefits
- Improved efficiency | Eliminated repeated trips to storage, saving time and effort
- Precision fit | Custom design minimized risk of valve damage
- Faster delivery | Additive manufacturing shortened production timelines significantly
- Operational reliability | Permanent placement near the valve improved accessibility and reduced risk
Key takeaways
- Additive manufacturing delivers real-world impact: faster, smarter, and more sustainable solutions for offshore energy operations.
- Local production reduces downtime and costs.
- Material innovation enhances reliability in harsh environments.
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