3D Printing in Petrochemicals: How FDM Keeps Production Running Seamlessly

When Every Minute is Priceless

In the oil and gas industry, equipment downtime can cost millions. That's why more companies are adopting FDM 3D printers for the rapid production of parts, repairs, and prototyping on-site—without delays and without external contractors.

How FDM Printing is Used in Petrochemicals

1. Rapid Repair and Component Replacement

A 3D printer allows you to:

• quickly print non-standard gaskets, covers, and casings;

• replace housings or fastening system elements;

• adapt components for equipment that is no longer in production.

At a U.S. refinery, printed parts helped stop a leak in less than 4 hours—without calling a contractor.

2. Manufacturing Fixtures

Print:

• templates for marking pipes and tanks;

• custom mounts and clamps;

• installation elements and adapters for sensors and cables.

3. Scientific Labs and R&D

For R&D departments:

• sensor casings and control devices;

• prototypes of valves and microfluidic systems;

• fixtures for testing chemical reactions and mixtures.

Suitable Materials

• PEEK, PEKK, PPSU—chemically resistant, heat-resistant polymers.

• PC, PA12-CF, GF-ABS—durable engineering materials.

• TPU—flexible, vibration-resistant components.

• PETG—for visualization and secondary purposes.

Advantages of FDM Printing in Petrochemicals

• Reduce repair time—print directly on site.

• Decrease logistics and storage costs.

• Adapt to non-standard equipment.

• Minimize downtime and production losses.

Global Experience

• Shell is integrating 3D printers into engineering centers and offshore platforms.

• Saudi Aramco uses FDM for R&D prototype preparation.

• ExxonMobil prints repair components and fixtures locally.

Protype—Industrial 3D Printer for Petrochemicals and Harsh Conditions

Designed for tasks where reliability, chemical resistance, and precision are crucial:

• Supports engineering materials—PA-CF, PC, PEEK, GF;

• Active thermal chamber—stable printing without warping;

• Filtration module—safe indoor operation;

• Automatic filament change—for continuous processes.

We Offer On-Site Test Installations

Submit a request—test Protype’s capabilities on your challenges.