Lincoln Electric and its partners Chevron and Stress Engineering Services have received the prestigious TCT Award for 2023 in the Industrial Product Application category for 3D metal printing refinery pressure components. The TCT Awards celebrate advances in technology, innovation, and collaboration in the global 3D printing and additive manufacturing industry. The entries are judged by an independent panel of industry experts from across the globe using a rigorous judging process.

Lincoln Electric Additive Solutions, Chevron, and Stress Engineering Services collaborated to qualify and manufacture pressure components that were installed in a hydrogen furnace at a Chevron refinery. The components weighed, on average, over 500 lb (225 kg) and were printed with nickel wire using gas metal arc additive manufacturing. In less than a month, the team delivered production parts totaling over 5,000 lb (2,250 kg) of deposited wire. The application not only showcased the speed at which parts can be delivered using Lincoln Electric’s proprietary 3D metal printing technology but also how close collaboration in design can improve product performance and ease of installation.

“We are honored to receive this award that showcases our game-changing ability to solve problems for the industry by reducing lead times from months to weeks,” said Mark Douglass, business development manager at Lincoln Electric Additive Solutions. “Our vertical integration and industry-leading capabilities allowed us to meet Chevron’s challenging timeline, demonstrating the value of large-scale 3D metal printing. We applaud TCT for its work to increase awareness and adoption of 3D printing worldwide.”

Lincoln Electric’s additive manufacturing solution has applications across a wide range of end markets, including energy, industrial manufacturing, aerospace, transportation, heavy equipment, and more. The company operates the largest known wire metal 3D printing factory in the world and is capable of printing metal-based parts over 8 ft (2.4 m) in length and weighing in excess of 8,000 lb (3,630 kg). The company’s proprietary and patented metal 3D printing solution uses its own SculptPrint OS software, robotic cells and welding wire to control quality and ensure a reliable supply chain.

Lincoln Electric Additive Solutions
additive.lincolnelectric.com