QuantiServ introduces robotised laser technology that drastically increases the lifespan of 2-stroke engine pistons

Wärtsilä Corporation, Trade Press Release, 15 January 2018 at 11.45 a.m. EET

Wärtsilä Services’ Business Line QuantiServ, which offers specialised maintenance and repair services for marine and energy customers that operate equipment by multiple brands, is introducing a new robotised laser cladding technology, revolutionising the reconditioning of large bore pistons in 2-stroke engines.

The new reconditioning process minimises welding, causes less thermal shock to the base material, and replaces the old chromium layer’s galvanic application.

Doubling the lifespan of pistons

“In addition to its environmental efficiency, the new coating extends the piston head’s lifespan and time between overhauls (TBO), compared to conventional chromium layers. We have field-tested the new technology on container vessels, and after 15,000 running hours, the results are very promising, showing excellent running behaviour and very low piston wear rates,” says Ole Pyndt Hansen, Director, QuantiServ. “Based on these tests, we predict that reconditioning the piston by using the new laser cladding process can almost double its lifespan”.

According to Guido Barbazza, Vice President, Emerging Businesses, Wärtsilä Services, “this new technology is one of several innovative steps that can bring the traditional reconditioning processes into the digitalised 21st century, while ensuring the predictability of assets for our customers and supporting the Wärtsilä and QuantiServ vision for setting industry standards for smart and sustainable solutions.”

The new robotized laser cladding technology has been developed in QuantiServ’s Reconditioning knowledge centre in Kruiningen, Netherlands. In 2018, this technology will be cloned and available for our customers in selected QuantiServ remanufacturing workshops globally. The new can be utilized for countless other applications in the remanufacturing business as well.

For further information, please contact:

Ole Pyndt Hansen
Director, QuantiServ
Wärtsilä Corporation
olepyndt.hansen@wartsila.com
Tel: + 41 52 262 2238 

QuantiServ reconditioning knowledge centre in Kruiningen, Netherlands: reconditioning.netherlands@quantiserv.com

QuantiServ in brief
QuantiServ offers specialised, fast and reliable support, maintenance and repair services for customers operating equipment by multiple brands, both in the marine and energy sectors.
The QuantiServ team consists of some 400 specialised professionals. They provide reconditioning and in-situ services as well as flexible repair and overhaul services for auxiliary and generating sets onboard customers’ vessels. The team is equipped with leading technology and know-how, certified expertise to match IMO requirements, extensive OEM experience and unmatched global reach.
www.quantiserv.com

Wärtsilä in brief
Wärtsilä is a global leader in advanced technologies and complete lifecycle solutions for the marine and energy markets. By emphasising sustainable innovation and total efficiency, Wärtsilä maximises the environmental and economic performance of the vessels and power plants of its customers. In 2016, Wärtsilä's net sales totalled EUR 4.8 billion with approximately 18,000 employees. The company has operations in over 200 locations in more than 70 countries around the world. Wärtsilä is listed on Nasdaq Helsinki.
www.wartsila.com