Atul Joshi, EVP-Distribution Business Vertical at Jumbo Distribution talks about how 3D printing has witnessed immense growth across the world and with ambitious targets set locally.
3D printing has witnessed immense growth across the world and with ambitious targets set locally, we can expect this sector to only expand. According to reports, the UAE 3D printing market size is projected to grow at a CAGR of 55.3% from 2018 to 2024. With the support of his Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the UAE has set an ambitious goal of making Dubai a leading hub of 3D printing by the year 2030.
Historically, 3D printing was used only for prototyping and design verification. Later, as more material got added and the quality of 3D printing increased, customers started using it in functional prototypes and end use parts. With the cost of 3D printing coming down, many industries can now utilize it for regular production. In addition to the ease of production 3D, printing contributes to the digital transformation of the entire manufacturing process. A survey of manufacturing executives found 21% of the companies will implement 3D printing in their regular production and 81% uses it in design and prototyping phase.
There are many advantages of 3D printing. Jumbo Enterprise entered 3D Printing for diversification and embracing the latest technology to service a large section of customers in the manufacturing sector. Over the last few years, Jumbo has championed 3D printing technology across many industries in UAE.
Companies adopt 3D printing for multiple reasons. MOBILIS a leading provider of Orthotics and Prosthetics products uses 3D printing to provide customized assistive technology products and services to the UAE and GCC healthcare markets. They have transformed traditional handcrafting workflows to the next level, by bringing together new multidisciplinary ideas and methods in computation, engineering, digital design and 3D printing.
Shell the global Oil and Gas giant has been deploying 3D printing in is Amsterdam based facility since 2011. The company was able to extend equipment life by replacing the components made in 3D printing where the parts were obsolete and repair kits were not available. Shells 3D printing strategy is not limited to prints parts alone, rather convert all the information digitally to a file and use the same for print at the location where the parts are required in partnership with prequalified 3D printing service bureaus.
Here’s just a few of the reasons for the adoption of 3D printing.
Ease of manufacturing of unique or custom parts
Since there is no tool or mold requirement in 3D printing, each part can be made unique in this process. There are a lot of applications in the Dental and Medical industry where each part must be unique and is according to the requirement of the patient. Custom implants, orthotic parts, and Dental models are where 3D printing finds a lot application that is not otherwise possible with any other technology. 3D printing is used extensively in making parts for architecture and model making. Here each design is unique and 3D printing is the best route to make these designs. It makes the models accurate and saves a lot of time.
Feasibility of manufacturing in smaller quantities
In 3D printing, very small quantities can be manufactured which enables small companies to procure items at lesser cost. For instance, as the UAE strives to grow its space sector with ambitious missions planned, we can expect the development of 3D printing to remain essential to this industry. In space the quantity required is small and unique which is ideal for 3D printing.
Tooling reduction
3D printing has the potential to simplify manufacturing processes and to reduce processing time and costs. Developed through 3D CAD models, the printing process eliminates the need for tools or pattern, allowing manufactures to create complex shapes without investing in costly tooling.
On Demand Spare parts manufacturing and inventory reduction
By using 3D Printing, businesses can reduce inventory and produce parts based on demand. We see this as one of the biggest applications of 3D printing in the future. However, ensuring the digital model is available and the process of manufacturing is certified could become the biggest challenge. In events like a pandemic or in case of an extra ordinary situation like war, or disruption of logistics channels, like Suez Canal blockage, the availability of spares could be a major issue. In such cases 3D printing can help the companies to continue the operations by printing spare pars on demand locally at the point of usage.
Oil and Gas companies now are moving towards digitizing their inventory and making available alternative sources for the spare parts. Advent of 3D scanning, modelling capabilities, material testing and understanding of failure modes in AM will further help the growth of adoption of 3D printing in Oil and Gas applications.
Design innovations and prototype requirement
There are lot of companies and individuals making new products for the market in GCC. 3D printers are being used in making prototypes of these designs. This enables the entrepreneurs to test the product in market and make any corrections required on the product before costly tooling for mass manufacturing is procured.
Manufacturing complex designs
Using 3D Printing technology allows businesses to manufacture complex designs which is not possible in any other manufacturing technology. 3D printing reduces the effort and time required to make complex designs and hence the cost of making this becomes less.
Future technology support from the government
Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum announced a 3D printing strategy and road map in 2016 and since then there is a lot of buzz around 3D printing in UAE. This initiative aims to exploit technology for the service of humanity and promote the status of the UAE and Dubai as a leading hub of 3D printing technology by the year 2030. Dubai is well placed to grow as the 3D printing hub of the world. The support and vision of the government have enabled the growth of technology in the region.
