Secure 3D Printing Enables Brazil’s Energy Sector to Cut Downtime

Petrobras, one of the world’s leading energy companies, is leveraging secure additive manufacturing to address challenges in its oil and gas operations. The initiative, led by Assembrix, aims to reduce downtime caused by delayed replacement parts by enabling localized 3D printing of components like handwheels used in valve operations. These parts, often subject to corrosion in offshore environments, can now be produced closer to the point of need, improving maintenance efficiency and reducing reliance on traditional supply chains.

Assembrix’s solution integrates with industrial 3D printers, including HP Multi Jet Fusion systems, and uses encrypted data delivery and centralized control to protect intellectual property. This ensures that sensitive design data remains secure while allowing parts to be manufactured remotely without risk of unauthorized reproduction. The system also provides full process traceability, giving IP owners complete control over production execution.

The project highlights the growing importance of secure digital manufacturing infrastructure in enabling the widespread adoption of distributed 3D printing. By addressing concerns around data security and IP protection, Assembrix’s platform paves the way for more organizations to embrace additive manufacturing as a reliable and scalable solution for industrial operations.