Metso delivers first valves with 3D printed parts
11.02.2019
Metso announced the delivery of the first valves with 3D printed parts from its Helsinki plant. The valves include 3D printed metal components that allow the valves to perform in a particularly demanding application where they need to withstand numerous fast open-close cycles without maintenance.
The company has started testing the suitability of 3D printing technologies for metal components years ago. To this end, they have defined and prototyped several concepts where the 3D printed components can provide new levels of valve performance compared to components manufactured with traditional methods.
3D printing allows the customer to use devices with new properties that can only be implemented with this technology. A key benefit for the customer can be exceptionally quick delivery times, says Jani Puroranta, Metso's Chief Digital Officer. The 3D printed parts and related methodological investigations are part of a broader digitalization project at the company. In addition to valve component production, Metso is already using 3D printing to additively manufacture tools used to make minerals consumables parts.