DESMI eliminates welding and halves lead time with 3D-printed titanium
A one-piece SLM-printed solution provides shorter lead times, a lower unit cost, and a more flexible supply.
Measurable results
This is how much Desmi has saved
%
financials
%
time
Lead time reduced from 80 to 14 days – 3D-printed titanium shortens lead time
By moving from complex welded cast parts to one-piece 3D printing, DESMI has created a stronger, faster, and more reliable solution with a lower CO₂ footprint and greater design freedom.
The challenge: Long lead times and low quality in titanium welding
In the production of impellers for pump systems, DESMI used cast and welded titanium components manufactured in Belgium. This method presented several challenges:
- Long lead time – up to 80 days.
- Quality issues – manual welding created weak points and surface defects.
- High production costs due to both material waste and manual welding work.
- Low supply robustness, as only one supplier could deliver.
The solution: One-piece 3D-printed titanium component
By switching to SLM printing in Titanium Grade 5, DESMI has achieved a wide range of benefits:
- No welding – one-piece printing increases durability and eliminates weak joints.
- Lead time reduced from 80 to 14 days.
- Better finish and consistent quality, without variations from manual processing.
- Unit price reduced by 3%.
- Greater resilience, as multiple suppliers globally can produce from the same 3D file.
"It helped us get started. It got us up and running. In addition, the sparring and support in exploring the area have been valuable. Instead of having to explore all the options yourself, you can get help to narrow it down. We have gained a better understanding of the technology and its possibilities."
Results from programmes with Dansk AM Hub
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- No welding – one-piece printing increases durability and eliminates weak joints.
- Lead time reduced from 80 to 14 days.
- Better finish and consistent quality, without variations from manual processing.
- Unit price reduced by 3%.
- Greater resilience, as multiple suppliers globally can produce from the same 3D file.
Business value: Quality, speed, and scalability
DESMI’s previous production setup had limited resilience, partly due to geographic dependency and fluctuating quality. With the transition to 3D printing, resilience has increased:
Global network of manufacturing partners.
Consistent quality regardless of supplier.
Faster production and fewer delays.
The future: Ready for scaling and optimisation
DESMI is now considering expanding the use of additive technologies to other critical parts. The technology enables:
Lightweight design and topology optimisation.
On-demand production of spare parts.
Digitising the supply chain with lower inventory and greater flexibility.
3D printing has given DESMI a stronger component, faster production, and a more robust and sustainable supply chain.
About the company
Advansor
Location
Nørresundby, North Jutland
Number of employees
1000-5000
Info
DESMI is a Danish company that develops and manufactures pump solutions and systems-especially for maritime and industrial applications.
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