Lloyd’s Register Energy and TWI have launched a joint industry project (JIP) that focuses on additive manufacturing, also known as 3-D printing. The two are inviting companies to tackle current and future issues faced by manufacturers supplying the energy industry, a news release said.

Additive manufacturing is on the rise, according to Lloyd’s Register Energy. Global trends indicate that the market is set to grow by 390% in the next seven years, with Lloyd’s Register Energy's recent Technology Radar survey suggesting that additive manufacturing will have a major impact in the oil and gas industry in the next five years.

Sponsors of this JIP will be able to gain early adoption of approved additive manufacturing practices for their products. Longer-term benefits to companies could include reduced manufacturing and maintenance costs, faster lead times on complex components, component life extension and increased durability, the release said.

Information on the launch event and JIP is available at www.lr.org/additive-manufacturing.