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3D Metalforge appointed official pump impeller supplier to Flowserve’s Asia-Pacific customer base

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By Imelda Cotton - 
3D Metalforge ASX 3MF pump impeller supplier Flowserve Asia-Pacific

3D Metalforge will supply its pump impeller parts to US$5.5 billion company Flowserve’s Quick Response centres in the Asia Pacific.

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Revenue-generating additive manufacturing company 3D Metalforge (ASX: 3MF) has been appointed a qualified manufacturing partner for a supply chain operated by US-based pump, valve and seal manufacturer Flowserve.

The achievement means 3D Metalforge can officially supply its range of pump impellers and parts to Flowserve’s network of quick response centres (QRCs) across the Asia Pacific region.

Flowserve’s QRCs are strategically located at most major industrial customer locations, allowing for reduced lead-time and rapid delivery of standard parts.

3D Metalforge will be added to Flowserve’s qualified vendor list, giving customers throughout the Asia Pacific the option to purchase the company’s impeller replacements instead of parts made using traditional methods.

Managing director Matthew Waterhouse said the qualification comes after an extensive quality management system audit and over two years of research and development collaboration.

“We have been working closely with Flowserve in support of its additive manufacturing research and development efforts to enable faster response times than traditional supply routes for spare parts replacement,” he said.

“Today’s qualification accelerates our commercial activities with Flowserve.”

High-use component

A pump impeller is a common and high-use rotating component of a centrifugal pump and accelerates fluid outward from the centre of rotation, thus transferring energy from the motor which drives the pump to the fluid being pumped.

The global centrifugal pump market is projected to reach $63 billion by 2026, at a compound annual growth rate of 5.9%, and up from an estimated $47.7 billion this year.

Manufactured in Singapore, 3D Metalforge’s stainless steel pump impellers supplied to Flowserve offer a number of benefits over traditional manufactured parts such as reduced material waste and reduced inventory costs.

Recently, the company printed 10 closed impellers for one of Flowserve’s customers which resulted in a 50% reduction in lead time compared to traditional casting.

Extending qualifications

Mr Waterhouse said the company would now seek to extend its supplier qualifications to additional QRCs in the Asia Pacific region, as well as to the US and European Union.

It would also work on qualifying new materials and additive manufacturing technologies with Flowserve’s Singapore team.

Flowserve is a $7.1 billion market cap company and one of the world’s largest manufacturers of pumps, valves and seals, with 2020 revenues of $4.78 billion.

The company has 19,000 employees in over 60 countries and has a network of more than 180 QRCs, which provide aftermarket parts and services to customers globally.