3D Printing in Dubai

The construction of three-dimensional objects under computer control is termed 3D printing. Dubai with its vision for 2030 is a welcoming place for 3D printing embracing the new technologies in the print industry. 3D printing has a bright future in UAE, with the government setting up a plan for revolutionary change that will make Dubai the world’s leading hub of 3D printing. 3D printing is gaining popularity because of the accessibility and affordability of raw materials needed for this new technology. Moreover, improvements in material formulations and processing and extremely cool technologies in the 3D print sectors have become a marketing ploy and well-functioning business module for start-ups and big companies. 

Demand for 3D Printing in Dubai

The major factor that drives the 3D printing market in UAE is the rising construction activities, especially in Dubai. Customization of the product is another major character in the 3D printing sector. Additionally, 25% of buildings in Dubai to be built on 3D printing technology by 2030. Dubai government has allocated AED 1.7 billion and 2.8 billion value for the 3D printed medical products and consumer products such as household items, jewelry, games, optics etc. respectively. 

3D printing in UAE

3D printing has grown incredibly mainly due to the blooming 3D techniques in UAE. The government is providing regulatory support of the manufacturing sectors to the promote 3D printing industry. 3D printing has dynamically proliferated across multiple manufacturing industries including automotive, aerospace and healthcare industries. UAE futuristic aspects and willingness to seize the opportunities helped them to gain a leading edge in the technological advancements in 3D printing. Further, 3D printing has radically transformed the immense potential techniques for medical devices that are cost-effective and impacted the healthcare segment positively. Fused Deposition Modelling(FDM) has gained wide popularity in UAE and also proved to be user-friendly technology. 3D printing will soon become one of the irreplaceable technology owing to its growing demand in Dubai, especially in the field of end-user products such as aerospace and defense, healthcare, manufacturing, automotive, consumer goods, educational and constructing activities. 

Innovation in Printing

UAE is employing the first integrated and comprehensive strategy to exploit 3D technology in the region. 3D printing restructures economies and labor markets as the use of unskilled labor and time taken will reduce exponentially. Dubai, a global hub for 3D printing technology provides the best opportunities for innovation and optimal application for research and development in this area. The plans and goals of UAE government, accelerated future innovations in the 3D print industry. Dubai’s 3D printing sectors have been specializing in many 3D print techniques like Stereo lithography(SLA), Selective Laser Sintering(SLS), Fused Deposition Modelling(FDM), Digital Light Process(DLP), Multi Jet Fusion(MJF), Poly Jet, Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS) and Electron Beam Melting(EBM). 

Polymer 3D Printing Processes

These are some common plastic 3D printing processes.

• SLA (Stereo lithography) 

Stereo lithography is widely used in the medical industry, anatomical models and micro fluids. It provides high level of detail, smooth surface and high tolerance to the parts of a product. 

• SLS (Selective Laser Sintering)

It is a 3D printing technique that melts the nylon-based powder into solid plastic. The parts of SLS are made from thermoplastic materials which support living hinges and snap-fit of a product. The prints made from the SLS technique is durable and suitable over a long period. 

• PolyJet Technology

This 3D printing technique can fabricate parts with multiple properties such as colors and materials simultaneously. 

• DLP (Digital Light Process)

This advanced technology is similar to SLA as it cures liquid resin using light. It uses a digital light projector screen whereas SLA uses a UV laser. But this process has a faster building speed. 

• MJT (Multi Jet Fusion)

MJT uses an inkjet array to apply fusing agents to the bed of nylon powder. This innovation accelerated the build time, which leads to lower production rates. 

• FDM (Fused Deposition Modelling)

FDM is a common technology used for plastic parts. FDM is based on the desktop 3D printing method. It is a cost-effective and quick process. 

Metal 3D Printing Processes

• DMLS (Direct Metal Laser Sintering)

DMLS is used to reduce metal by assembling multi parts into a single component or hollowed-out features. This technique is best known for creating complex geometric. It is viable for prototyping as well as production. 

• EBM (Electron Beam Melting)

This innovation uses an electron beam that’s controlled by electromagnetic coils to melt the metal powder.

Government Initiative to Promote 3D Printing

The government of Dubai announced that 25% of the new building construction must involve 3D printing technology by 2030. It continues to support equipments that drives the future of 3D print by increasing the installation of 3D printed lighting products, bases and foundations, construction joints and many others. With the launch of “Dubai 3D Printing Strategy” in 2016, many organizations such as Dubai Municipality, Dubai Health Authority and Dubai Holding have since implemented various printing strategies coordinately, aiming to transform Dubai into a leading hub of 3D printing users, producers and exporters. These organizations are likely to establish partnerships with innovative companies. 

Dubai Municipality performed a huge role in the implementation of the Dubai 3D Printing Strategy through locally existing technologies and attracting leading global companies. In December 2019, Dubai opened the world’s largest 3D printed building. 3D printing innovations have emerged simultaneously and the government increased the use of 3D printing by 2% in 2019 for the construction sector where many notable developments took place. In November 2019, UAE released the first 9-axis 3D printer that proved to be one of a kind. Furthermore, Dubai Future Foundation won the title in the Guinness World Records for building the world’s first 3D printed commercial building in February 2020. The Middle East inaugurated the first 3D printed bus stop. By 2030, Dubai aimed to stand as the hub of 3D printing in the world.

Best Printing Companies in UAE

Some of the printing companies like DESCO, Spectrum Digital Print, Alpha Printing Press and many others have gone through tremendous innovations in the print sectors. These printing companies provide specialization in other types of printing. Some specific top companies provide 3D printing services in UAE.

Iris 3D Solutions

This company specializes in providing high-quality industrial 3D printing services. 

3D Vinci Creations

This is one of the leading 3D printing companies in Dubai that is capable of completing challenging 3D printing projects in many sectors such as the automotive, fuel and healthcare industries.

Other top companies like 3D Printing: Rising On Oil’s Groundwork, Alternative: Your One-Stop Shop, Xplorer 3D, 3D Middle East and FabLab UAE have taken many initiatives and drives the 3D printing waves in the region. 

HUMD, Printing Marketplace of Dubai

HUMD aims to contribute to the 3D print vision of UAE by encouraging innovators and print service providers to go beyond the conventional. It wants print companies irrespective of their size to focus on the future of printing i.e. 3D printing. HUMD very well knows the fact that, if UAE has to transition smoothly into the future they have to embrace what is new and what the market wants. With this outlook, it provides an irreplaceable marketplace in Dubai that is one of a kind by catering for all customization needs. HUMD enables its customers to pick marketing collateral at the best price and in excellent quality. The printing merchandise offered by HUMD is made up of new and innovative technology with customer requirements. Additionally, HUMD is promoting the print sector by giving opportunities to the small as well as the big printing businesses to sell their printing products on the HUMD site.