Leading metal additive manufacturing technology company for mission-critical parts Velo3D, Inc. said Schoeller-Bleckmann Oilfield Technology (SBOT) has purchased a Sapphire XC large-format printer. Particularly, the purchase will enable SBOT to expand its additive manufacturing capabilities.

The new Sapphire XC printer suits to print metal parts in Inconel® 718 and will support the growing demand for 3D-printed parts from SBOT customers. Moreover, the company’s latest printer enhances production capabilities, delivering high-volume parts at a reduced cost. Furthermore, it supports the printing of large-scale components up to 600 mm in diameter and 550 mm in height.

Highly Complex, Mission-Critical Parts

SBOT has extensive expertise in manufacturing high-quality components. Particularly, including more than a decade of experience offering its customers additive manufacturing capabilities. In addition, the company’s subsidiary, Knust-Godwin, operates a fleet of printers from Velo3D in its Katy, Texas, facility. This goes on top of its presence in Europe.

After seeing the print capabilities and adoption of Velo3D’s technology in the United States, SBOT became the first Velo3D contract manufacturer in Europe in November 2021. By adding a Sapphire XC printer, SBOT can easily scale the production of parts previously printed and qualified on the Sapphire printer.

“Additive manufacturing continues to see growing adoption and through Velo3D’s Sapphire XC 3D printer. Our team can scale up the production of parts for customers with the Sapphire XC’s 400% throughput increase over the original Sapphire,” said Campbell MacPherson, SBO EVP of Advanced Manufacturing.

In addition, MacPherson said, “It will also increase the addressable use-cases for metal additive manufacturing by unlocking the capability of producing larger parts. (Thus), allowing us to maintain our position as a leader in the industry.”

The Sapphire XC 3D printer offers SBOT unparalleled geometric design freedom. Hence, enabling the production of highly complex, mission-critical parts with uncompromising precision and efficiency with one of the largest print volumes available today. The contract manufacturer also offers conventional manufacturing capabilities like CNC milling and turning, heat treatment, material testing, and polishing. This allows SBOT to deliver finished, ready-to-use parts to its customers.

Empowers to Achieve New Heights

Benny Buller, Founder and CEO of Velo3D, said, “SBOT’s commitment to delivering high-quality components aligns perfectly with our mission. That is, to enable manufacturers to unlock the full potential of their products through additive manufacturing. We are confident the Sapphire XC’s advanced capabilities will empower SBOT to achieve new heights of innovation and excellence in their manufacturing processes.”

Velo3D’s expanding presence in Europe marks an exciting development for the additive manufacturing industry. Moreover, the partnership with SBOT serves as a testament to Velo3D’s impact on the manufacturing industry in Europe. In addition, this also further strengthens its position as a global leader in advanced metal 3D printing.

Velo3D’s expertise in additive manufacturing technology enables the production of complex geometries, improving the efficiency and reliability of critical components in the oil and gas field. For that reason, SBOT can elevate its manufacturing processes by adopting Velo3D solutions.

Hence, resulting in enhanced performance, reduced lead times, and increased operational agility.