From CAD to Printed Part in Days: Howco’s Additive Manufacturing

Many will be aware of the distribution and manufacturing capabilities within the Howco Group. It has a world class reputation. But Howco doesn’t sit still, and it has invested in additive manufacturing to complement the group’s offering.

In an industry where uptime is critical and operating conditions are extreme, metal additive manufacturing (AM) is becoming a powerful tool for oil and gas companies. Howco Additive has seen how metal AM can solve long-standing challenges - from long-lead replacement parts to design limitations that restrict performance in downhole and topside environments.

The Director of Howco Additive, Conrad Kao states, “One of AM’s biggest advantages is speed. Traditional methods for complex, high-alloy components often come with long lead times due to casting, forging, or precision machining. With additive, we can go from CAD to printed part in a matter of days. That speed is vital when dealing with critical spares, obsolete parts, or urgent field replacements.”

AM also unlocks real design freedom. Engineers can move beyond the constraints of conventional manufacturing and integrate features like internal flow paths, lattice structures, or weight-saving designs - all printed as a single piece. This allows parts like valve bodies, impellers, and sensor housings to be lighter, stronger, and more efficient, without the need for assembly or welding.

Conrad comments “We’re seeing strong demand for metal AM across a range of applications: sensor brackets, turbine blades, pressure housings, downhole tools, and heat exchangers. These parts benefit from AM-friendly materials like Alloy 718, 316 Stainless Steel and Titanium, which offer the durability and corrosion resistance needed in extreme environments.”

Another major benefit is the shift to digital inventory. Instead of stocking shelves with low-turnover parts, companies can maintain a secure library of qualified digital files and print what they need, when they need it. This adds speed and resilience to the supply chain - especially for offshore or remote operations.

At its core, metal AM brings agility, performance, and supply chain flexibility to an industry that demands all three. It’s not just about printing faster - it’s about building smarter, adapting quicker, and supporting critical infrastructure.

The Howco Additive team are proud to be part of that shift offering deep materials expertise, fast turnaround, and a commitment to helping customers innovate where it matters most. They’re able to deliver real solutions - built for the demands of today and the challenges of tomorrow.

Speak with Howco Additive: Stand 3G27 Offshore Europe.

Email:  additivesales@howcogroup.com

Web:    www.howcogroup.com/additive-manufacturing/

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