3D printing has become increasingly affordable and popular recently. Furthermore, 3D printing is now an unavoidable part of the mainstream manufacturing and the global consumer market. Yet, can we say the same for the gas and oil industry?

When it comes to the benefits 3D printing provides to the oil and gas industry, there are a few important factors and characteristics to consider. The modern 3D-printable materials are associated with far greater diversification and relative low equipment costs compared to the early and humble beginnings of this industry. In addition, the increased 3D printing technology sophistication brings new value and creates new opportunities for all industries, including oil and gas production and distribution sectors, as well.

In the next couple of years, we can expect for the 3D printing market to quadruple and reach an impressive estimated value of US$12B. What does this encouraging information mean for the oil and gas industry? Well, the 3D printing industry has come a long way from creating the simple manufacturing prototypes all the way to the most complex production and industrial parts you can possibly imagine. This means that oil and gas industries can take an advantage of 3D printing technologies for both improving the existing or penetrating the new markets.

To fully benefit from the 3D printing technologies, it is essential for oil and gas industry to take consider two dimensions of an effective integration, which includes upstream and downstream components.

Regarding the upstream components, the 3D printing can significantly optimize the crucial supply chain operations. How? Well, thanks to the 3D printing oil and gas industry can ensure the production of important parts that are no longer in production at any given moment. Additionally, the development process can be improved by reducing the time required for creating the useful prototypes.

When it comes to the downstream components the 3D printing technologies are focused mainly on new revenue streams. It goes without saying that oil and gas industry can benefit a lot by supplying the essential plastics and powders that are “fueling” the numerous 3D printers all over the world.

Finally, an effective integration of 3D printing technologies into the oil and gas industry must take care of the following accordingly:

• For the upstream operations, a proactive visibility and control over the supply oil and gas industry chains should be ensured all the time. You need to focus your integration efforts on areas where the 3D printing technologies can benefit your oil and gas industry the most.
• It is also advisable to familiarize yourself with the latest trends in the 3D printing industry. All sectors of oil and gas industry must come up with new strategies and approaches that use 3D printing for the improvement of their existing supply chains.

The giant wave of huge 3D printing benefits is hitting the business shores as we speak. Meaning, oil and gas industry simply can’t afford itself a luxury of missing it.