Paradigm 3D has opened the doors to its state-of-the-art $5 million (AED20 million) 3D-printing facility in Dubai, the first in the Middle East capable of producing parts in accordance with the aerospace-specific EASA Part 21G regulation.
Outfitted with industry-leading industrial 3D printers from Stratasys, the facility will initially focus on producing parts for the region’s aviation industry. The 10,750 sq ft. factory in the Jabel Ali Industrial Area will initially have a production capacity of approximately 2,000 additively manufactured parts per year, with expectations to grow to around 20,000 per year over the next decade.
According to the statement, typical components produced at the facility will include aircraft interior components for seating, lavatories, electronic cooling ducts, environment control system ducting, wire guides, filter boxes, micro vanes, gaskets, component connectors, air intake manifolds, and so on.
Following the anticipated success of the Jabel Ali manufacturing plant with airlines, Paradigm 3D intends to expand its focus into other industry verticals.
Mr. Mohamed Juma, co-founder and owner of Paradigm 3D, said that, “We see additive manufacturing as a core growth enabler for manufacturing in the region. The UAE’s appetite for innovation, and the government’s support for projects that leverage industrial 3D printing, means the country is perfectly positioned to be a hub for a real digital manufacturing revolution. Proving our abilities in the highly regulated aviation sector will serve to validate the numerous advantages of 3D printing. It will enable us to expand into parallel sectors, such as oil & gas and other industrial applications.”
Stratasys EMEA President, Mr. Andreas Langfeld noted that “Having this capability in Dubai will reduce the lead time for replacement parts by weeks, possibly even months, helping airlines keep their planes in operation more predictably. This will not only reduce operational costs, particularly around logistics, but it will also reduce the environmental impact associated with transportation of these spare parts.”
