New RINA Guidelines for Additive Manufacturing

RINA, a specialist in additive manufacturing, has announced the release of its 'Guidelines for the certification of metallic products made by additive manufacturing', for the oil and gas industry.

The use of additive manufacturing (or 3D printing) is expanding rapidly, especially as technology now enables the production of larger components and products to meet different mechanical or physical-chemical needs. The new guidelines from RINA will enable companies in the oil and gas industry to ensure every step of the additive manufacturing process is repeatable, documented and can be verified by a third party. Ultimately, the guidelines will put organizations in control of the additive manufacturing process, giving them confidence that they are getting the products and quality they need for their application.

Andrea Bombardi, EVP Industry at RINA, commented, “These guidelines are a practical example of RINA’s capability to understand and apply digitalization and technology transfer between industries, matching them with the competencies on materials. The guidelines, in fact, meet an increasing demand from various sectors. They will help organisations take all steps of the process into account to enable them to produce a verifiable, consistent approach to this modern manufacturing technology; so, they can be assured they are getting the product characteristics, quality and consistency they require.”

The guidelines will enable companies to control the additive manufacturing processes internally and externally. It will help define all aspects of the process, including material, parameters, mechanical properties, etc., to ensure different subcontractors are quoting like for like and producing the necessary product specification and quality.

Bombardi continued, “The significant difference between the new RINA guidelines and those that have been previously published is that these give a complete framework for organisations, regardless of industry. RINA has vast experience and expertise in additive manufacturing technology and the development of specialist materials such as steel alloys to meet specific process demands. These guidelines have been carefully produced by experts in these areas to ensure companies have complete control over their processes and final product quality.”