In the first week of 2018, the world's first 3D printed offshore crane hook, manufactured by worldwide provider of step changing technical solutions, Huisman, successfully passed its load test (80 t) and all associated quality control checks according to the strictest criteria. Crane hooks are typically manufactured by casting or forging techniques. Huisman's 3D printing technology, however, catches up to what could become the new future of manufacturing technology.
Huisman used the 'Wire & Arc Additive Manufacturing' (WAAM) 3D printing technique to produce mid-size to large components with high grade tensile steel, including a large 4-prong hook, with an own printed weight close to 2,200 lbs. One benefit for larger crane hooks is the significant reduction in delivery time at a cost that competes with forgings and castings, and a more consistent level of quality.
WAAM can be used for crane hooks, but also allows Huisman to manufacture other components with complex shapes, short delivery times or local alternative material properties, to improve wear and corrosion resistance. The positive WAAM test results enable Huisman to manufacture reliable components that were physically impossible or commercially infeasible to produce before.
In the near future, Huisman aims to further improve the WAAM process by reducing the cost price for this technique and to increase manufacturing capabilities up to items of 5,511 lbs. printed weight.
For more information, visit www.huismanequipment.com.
This story also appears on Crane Equipment Guide.
