Additive manufacturing is transforming a wide range of industries in Dubai. From construction to consumer goods, the technology is unlocking innovation and customization.
Companies are reducing production costs and accelerating processes through 3D printing. This includes building materials that are more sustainable. For example, US-based construction 3D printer Apis Cor is printing buildings with geopolymers, a cement alternative.
Manufacturing
3D printing, or additive manufacturing, is revolutionizing the way that products are created and manufactured. It uses layers of material to create three-dimensional objects, reducing costs and lead times while also providing greater flexibility and customization. This technology is being used in various industries, including construction, healthcare, and education.
The UAE’s 3D printing market is at a niche stage, but it is expected to grow rapidly in the coming years. The emirate’s flexible labor market, rising innovative technology adoption, and increasing construction activities are among the main drivers for the industry’s growth. The Dubai Future Foundation’s 3D printing strategy, which plans for 25% of the emirate’s buildings to be printed by 2030, will further boost the industry.
Construction companies are using large-scale 3D printers to build intricate building components and prototypes, which can reduce costs and construction time. In addition, the use of 3D printing in construction can help minimize waste and increase productivity.
The use of 3D printing in construction can also improve safety and quality. It can reduce the need for specialized workers and reduce the risk of error due to complex and difficult-to-handle designs. It can also be used to produce structures that are fire and earthquake-resistant. However, the lack of standardization and regulation in the UAE’s 3D printing industry can present challenges. This includes the difficulty of sourcing the required materials and the potential for intellectual property infringement.
Construction
Dubai is at the forefront of the 3D printing revolution, leveraging it to disrupt several industries. One of these is construction, where it’s transforming the entire building process and opening up new possibilities for architects and engineers.
3D printed structures are more sustainable and cost-effective than traditional buildings, reducing materials waste by up to 60%. In addition, it can print more complex shapes and designs that wouldn’t be possible with traditional methods. This means that more customization is possible, making it easier to create unique structures that meet specific architectural requirements.
According to Helene Lombois-Burger, R&D project manager at Swiss cement giant LafargeHolcim, the construction industry is slow to implement change, but 3D printing offers a great opportunity to experiment. “The use of the technology will improve efficiency and productivity, while allowing us to develop a wider range of products,” she says.
The Dubai government has announced that by 2030, 25% of all new constructions must be made with 3D printing technologies. The country is investing heavily in the development of the technology, with companies like Immensa Technology Labs and Generation 3D printing intricate building components and prototypes to reduce costs and construction time.
Healthcare
Changing traditional manufacturing processes requires more than just a new technology. It also involves educating the public, businesses, and employees about the capabilities and benefits of 3D printing. It’s important to promote awareness about the technology so that it can become a mainstream tool for companies in the UAE.
Construction: 3D printing is revolutionizing construction by allowing for rapid prototyping and building of complex structural components that would be difficult or impossible to create with traditional methods. It is also helping to reduce labor costs and waste, aligning with sustainable building practices.
The emirate of Dubai has been a global leader in this area, holding the record for the largest 3D-printed building in the world and the first printed bus stop in the Middle East. In addition, it recently completed the first 3D-printed villa in the region. The project was a collaboration between Dubai’s MEET Technology and a local start-up, Sinterex, which specializes in customised 3D printed healthcare solutions.
Sinterex CEO Julian Callanan recounts one particular case in which a 60-year-old woman was saved thanks to 3D printing. Doctors were able to print an aneurysm model of her brain, which allowed them to understand the best way to reach and remove the artery in order to save her life. The process would have been much longer and riskier if they had not been able to use the model.
Education
In the field of education, 3D printing is revolutionizing the way students learn. It allows them to construct objects and models that replicate real-life structures and buildings. Additionally, it offers the flexibility to customize learning materials and programs based on each student’s needs. This new technology is being used in a variety of fields including architecture, engineering, science, and math.
While the benefits of 3D printing are numerous, there are still a number of challenges that need to be addressed. One of the most significant is a lack of skilled workers. This shortage hampers the growth of the industry and slows down its development. Moreover, the high cost of 3D printing equipment and materials can be prohibitive for many small businesses and startups.
Construction is another sector poised to benefit from the rise of 3D printing. In Dubai, the emirate has already constructed what it claims is the world’s first fully functional 3D-printed building, the Office of the Future designed by Killa Design. The printing process took 17 days and the installation on site only two days. It also cut labor costs by 50%, according to the Dubai Future Foundation.
Helene Lombois-Burger, R&D project manager at Swiss cement giant LafargeHolcim, says 3D printing could reduce construction time by 20% and eliminate waste. Additionally, it could be used to build quicker, cheaper homes for refugees or disaster-hit areas.