ABS and Mencast Marine sign MoU for additive manufacturing
Development into the qualification and application of advanced manufacturing processes such as additive manufacturing (AM), also known as 3D printing, for critical components on vessels is the subject of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed by ABS and Mencast Marine Pte. Ltd. during Singapore Maritime Week.
The partners have agreed to cooperate in these key areas:
Design, manufacturing, testing and qualification of critical marine components through additive manufacturing.
Development of data analytics and artificial intelligence (AI) in the additive manufacturing process.
Development and validation of innovative solutions for sustainability through additive manufacturing.
ABS, a maritime technology leader, is supporting the industry with the ABS Requirements for Additive Manufacturing publication, which defines the approval and certification process for AM facilities and parts. In this collaboration, ABS will play an important role in verifying the parts are designed, produced, tested and qualified based on ABS requirements and international standards. The AM qualification framework is also designed to facilitate the adoption of novel AM technologies.
Mencast has been using AM to design and manufacture their suite of products in a more sustainable and efficient manner while leveraging other advanced technologies like data analytics and artificial intelligence to boost the potential of AM. Through this collaboration with ABS, Mencast aims to validate and qualify the novel AM processes and products that will be developed.
As ABS contributes to accelerating the adoption of AM technology, it will also participate in more collaborative projects with Mencast to further the adoption of AM technology. ABS has been involved in a range of industry-leading AM initiatives, including a joint development project to fabricate, test and install functional AM parts on board an oil tanker.
