BlueFire Explores 3D Mfg Techniques

Officials at BlueFire Equipment Corp. are exploring additive or 3D manufacturing techniques for the production of its proprietary polycrystalline diamond cutter (PDC) drill bits. The process is expected to expand engineering capabilities and reduce costs.

BlueFire is joining the likes of major entities such as Boeing, NASA, General Electric, and Ford, who have successfully begun incorporating 3D processes to manufacture highly engineered metal components.

Chairman and CEO of BlueFire Equipment Corp. William A. Blackwell says, “Additive manufacturing will allow us to produce very complex parts in a cost-effective manner, marking a potential paradigm shift in drill bit manufacturing.” He added, “We expect this highly advanced process will prove to be considerably faster and cheaper than existing cast methods and further establish BlueFire as an innovator in drill bit technology.”

According to Terry Wohlers, a leading authority on 3D printing, “Today, industrial additive systems are producing high grade metal parts with properties that match or exceed the properties of cast metal parts. In the future, we expect to see a greater variety of metal alloys available.” He estimates the 3D market currently is valued at around $2.2 billion and predicts the industry will reach $6 billion worldwide by 2017.

Source: BlueFire Equipment Corp.