VALVE MAGAZINE Winter 2025

CARBON FOOTPRINT OF 3D PRINTING

Valves are inherently functional . Because of this, it can be easy to overlook their role in “big picture” issues such as climate change. But there’s good reason to make the connection and take it seriously. Heavy industry, such as refining and chemical processing, is facing growing pressure to decarbonize across the value chain. Research shows that much of this pressure is now coming directly from customers. 1 Valves in good working order also have a major impact on plant performance. According to the European Sealing Association, the nonprofit trade association representing manufacturers of sealing devices and materials, control valves account for roughly 60% of a plant’s total emissions. In refineries, this value can increase to 70%, though may only come from 1% of a facility’s total installed assets. 2 These figures are enough for any facility to take action, which is partly why far more attention is now being given to fugitive emissions. But scrutiny cannot end there because other hidden issues have a major impact on the sustain ability of heavy industry. Take valve replacement scenarios. Every site, regardless of what’s being produced, needs to regularly maintain, upgrade or change its control valves at some point. This regularity comes with a carbon penalty. With advances to manufac turing techniques, however, there is now scope to drive down

FEATURED ARTICLE How Much Carbon Can 3D-Printed Valve Components Save? Additive manufacturing is often assumed to be more sustainable than subtractive production but there has been relatively little evidence to support that claim — until now.

Valve replacement components additively manufactured by IMI Retrofit3D. Source IMI.

BY: BERTRAND MAILLON , Retrofit 3D Business Leader COMPANY: IMI PROCESS AUTOMATION

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VALVE MAGAZINE

WINTER 2025