Client & Context:
As part of a circular economy initiative, Pelagus 3D collaborated with Valland and Yinson Production to deliver a lightweight ball valve designed for on-demand manufacturing with a reduced environmental impact.
The Challenge:
Traditional valve manufacturing relies on virgin materials and long lead times. The goal for this project was to create a fully functional, certified ball valve using upcycled materials, while reducing both material use and carbon footprint—without compromising on performance or durability.
The Solution:
Using Laser Powder Bed Fusion (LPBF) and Stainless Steel 316L, the valve was fabricated from raw material sourced by upcycling out-of-service spare parts. The part was also re-engineered to be lighter, minimizing material consumption and simplifying installation.
It was successfully installed on a Yinson vessel following full testing and certification.
The Results:
- Significant weight reduction through design optimization
- Manufactured in 3 weeks
- Material: Upcycled Stainless Steel 316L
- Dimensions: 110 × 105 × 125 mm
- Weight: 23 kg
- Aligned with circular economy and sustainability goals
Why It Matters:
This case highlights the value of on-demand manufacturing for legacy and out-of-production parts. Rather than redesigning an entire system or waiting months for tooling, OEMs and asset owners can restore functionality within weeks—minimizing downtime, preserving operational continuity, and avoiding costly system replacements.
Client Testimonials:
“The 3D printing of valves utilizing upcycled materials is aligned with one of Yinson’s core values: Sustainability. The 3D printed valves enable on-demand additive manufacturing and have a low carbon footprint. By putting in place a comprehensive testing and certification programme, a high-quality product without compromise of performance is ensured.”
– Furqahn Nasir, Marine Technical Authority, Yinson Production
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