3D Printing and NACE MR0175 / ISO 15156

3D Printing, also referred to as additive manufacture, is frequently considered the next big step in metallurgy and materials; some companies are already engaged in understanding how 3D printing will impact the oil and gas industry, but what are the implications of using 3D printing components in sour service? Here we review 3D printing and NACE MR0175

A recent inquiry raised to the NACE MR0175 / ISO 15156 maintenance panel requested to clarify if 3D printing  was considered in NACE MR0175.

Q1: Is metal additive manufacturing (also referred to a 3D metal printing) a manufacturing process defined or included in MR0175/ISO 15156?

A1: 3D metal printing/metal additive manufacturing is not defined in NACE MR0175/ISO 15156.

Q2: If the answer to Q1 is no, would a currently listed alloy be acceptable for a specific application if manufactured through 3D printing and final hardness limits were within requirements of NACE MR0175/ISO 15156?

A2: In itself, this is not sufficient because 3D metal printing/metal additive manufacturing is not defined as an acceptable process route.

Q3: If the answer to Q2 is no, would UNS N07718 manufactured through 3D printing be acceptable within the restrictions of the cast condition for UNS N07718 in NACE MR0175/ISO 15156-3 Table A.31 or Table A.32?

A.3: The same answer to Q2 applies here; it is not known whether the 3D printed condition is equivalent to the cast condition defined for this alloy. To be acceptable, the production route would need to qualified in accordance with NACE MR0175/ISO 15156-3 Appendix B.

The answer is very straight to the point, products manufactured by 3D printing will have to be qualified as per NACE MR0175/ISO 15156-3 Appendix B before its use in H₂S containing environment.

Are you considering the use of a 3D printed component for sour service? we would love to hear from you and help you in the qualification process.