The valves, delivered from Metso's plant in Helsinki, Finland, include 3-D-printed metal components, which allow them to perform in demanding applications and hold out through numerous, fast open-close cycles without any maintenance.

Metso believes it's at the forefront of using 3-D printing in valve applications, as it started testing the technology's suitability for the metal components several years ago.

Overall, with 3-D printing technology, Metso said it can improve the safety, reliability and availability of industrial valves.

The valve components are 3-D-printed using metal powder, and the small, intricate 3-D-printed details can improve valve performance. 3-D printing also enables mass customisation to meet the needs of demanding applications in process industries, Metso added.

"We have defined and prototyped several concepts where the 3-D-printed components can provide new levels of valve performance compared to components manufactured with traditional methods," said Jukka Borgman, director of technology development at Metso.

Jani Puroranta, Metso's chief digital officer, added: "The beauty of 3-D printing is that it allows the customer to have devices whose new properties can only be implemented using the 3D printing method. With certain products, a key benefit for the customer can be exceptionally quick delivery times."

In addition to valve components, Metso is currently also using 3-D printing to additively manufacture tools used to make minerals consumables parts.