Ranging from difficult to impossible to machine, the four key components that comprise the patented helical bevel gear-drive must be cast. For the 5 field trial valves, the patterns were scaled up from the digital model to allow shrinkage of the molten metal part and printed in wax. The patterns were produced by American Precision Prototyping, LLC with the selective laser sintering process at a fraction of the cost of traditional molded pattern tooling.

Alpha Investment Casting received the patterns and entered them into production, leapfrogging the steps of setting up permanent tooling in the injection press and molding a few patterns. VSI benefits from quick delivery of parts that meet production part specifications.

The first five HBGV will be prepared with end connections specified by the companies conducting field trials. Critical internal parts are investment castings – made in Tulsa from 3D-printed wax patterns also made in Tulsa! The valve body and machined parts, assembly and testing – made in Broken Arrow, Tulsa’s neighbor to the East. Fully an Oklahoma product, the HBGV extends a long line of innovative industrial and oil & gas equipment, drilling rigs, submersible pumps, flare systems and pipeline pigs to severe service control valves.