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 specialized 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.
The team needed a wrench that could be permanently installed near each valve for quick access.
Complication
Commercially available wrenches were unsuitable for the valve design. Poor fit meant a risk of damage to the valve, which could result in downtime. Meanwhile repeated trips to storage were slowing operations at a time when productivity goals were in focus.
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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