Schoeller-Bleckmann Oilfield Technology purchases Sapphire XC large-format metal 3D printing system from Velo3D
Schoeller-Bleckmann Oilfield Technology (SBOT has purchased a Sapphire Metal 3D Printing System from Velo3D.
SBOT was previously announced as a user of the company’s flagship Sapphire system back in November 2021, while its subsidiary Knust-Godwin operates a fleet of Velo3D printers (including the Sapphire XC) out of a facility in Katy, Texas. The company, which provides high-precision oil and gas components, is the first European contract maker to buy the Sapphire XC since its October 2020 launch.
The Sapphire XC is calibrated to produce parts in Inconel 718, and its large build volume allows for the production of components with a maximum diameter of 600 mm and a maximum height of 550 mm. Velo3D released the machine three year ago to assist customers in additively manufacturing larger components. Hermeus Knust-Godwin Keselowski Advanced Manufacturing were among the companies that leveraged its capabilities.
Velo3D’s mission is to expand its presence in Europe. A facility was opened in Augsburg, Germany, as part of this effort. As it established a footprint in Europe, it named SBOT as the first European user of its Sapphire system and outlined its commitment to support the company’s efforts in ‘expanding its capabilities and service new industries.’ Less than two years on, SBOT has invested further in Velo3D’s metal 3D printing technology, reiterating its ability to help grow the markets it can penetrate.
“Additive manufacturing continues to see growing adoption and through Velo3D’s Sapphire XC 3D printer, our team can scale up the production of parts for customers with the Sapphire XC’s 400% throughput increase over the original Sapphire,” commented Campbell MacPherson, SBO EVP of Advanced Manufacturing. “It will also increase the addressable use-cases for metal additive manufacturing by unlocking the capability of producing larger parts, allowing us to maintain our position as a leader in the industry.”
“We are thrilled to partner with SBOT and expand our presence in Europe with our first Sapphire XC installation at a contract manufacturer,” added Benny Buller, Founder and CEO of Velo3D. “SBOT’s commitment to delivering high-quality components aligns perfectly with our mission to enable manufacturers to unlock the full potential of their products through additive manufacturing. “We are confident that the Sapphire XC’s advanced capabilities will enable SBOT achieve new heights of excellence and innovation in their manufacturing process.”