Saudi Arabia-based 3D printing service supplier Nationwide Additive Manufacturing & Innovation (NAMI) Firm has bought a number of steel and polymer 3D printers from 3D Methods.
NAMI, a non-public three way partnership between 3D Methods and Saudi Arabian Industrial Investments Firm Dussur, will leverage the brand new techniques to supply components for the Saudi Electrical energy Firm (SEC). It hopes the brand new 3D printers will create an environment friendly, localized provide chain for SEC.
Having just lately introduced a collaboration with NAMI, SEC is the most important electrical vitality producer, transmitter, and distributor within the Center East and North Africa. The partnership may also see NAMI create a digital stock of components to cut back manufacturing time, bodily storage necessities, and prices.
In accordance with 3D Methods, this deal will permit NAMI to capitalize on the greater than $2.6 billion vitality sector which is anticipated to develop to $17 billion by 2032.
“Our additive manufacturing options have demonstrated their worth for enhancing provide chain effectivity and accelerating innovation throughout a wide range of industries,” commented Reji Puthenveetil, 3D Methods’ EVP of Additive Options and Chief Industrial Officer.
He added that combining the reverse engineering of out of date components and additive manufacturing can prolong the uptime and life of kit. As such, NAMI’s acquisition of 3D Methods’ expertise “might be invaluable instruments to catalyze the collaboration with SEC.”


3D printing optimizes vitality provide chains in Saudi Arabia
By way of the deal, NAMI has acquired 3D Methods’ steel DMP Manufacturing unit 500, DMP Flex 350 Twin, and polymer SLS 380 3D printers. In accordance with the US-based 3D printer producer, these techniques are optimized for the environment friendly manufacturing of exact, end-use components.
NoSupports 3D printing methods, developed by 3D Methods’ Software Innovation Group, may also be leveraged by the Saudi Arabian agency.
Out there via Oqton’s 3DXpert software program, NoSupports permits customers to 3D print massive inner cavities with out help constructions. It may also be used to enhance floor homogeneity in downfacing overhangs and cut back the danger of dimensional variations brought on by guide ending. In accordance with 3D Methods, this expertise expands the design envelope, accelerates design cycles, and unlocks novel purposes.
This expertise might be leveraged by NAMI to supply a spread of high-performance vitality elements, together with pump impellers, gasoline burners, motor followers, warmth sinks, and warmth exchangers. The manufacturing of those components domestically and on the level of want will reportedly allow SEC to mitigate provide chain dangers and drive efficiencies.
NAMI was established by 3D Methods and Dassur as a part of the Saudi Kingdom’s Imaginative and prescient 2030. This strategic plan was launched beneath the Nationwide Industrial Growth and Logistics Program (NIDLP) pillar. It seeks to cut back Saudi Arabia’s reliance on oil, diversify its financial system, and develop public utility sectors reminiscent of well being, training, recreation, and tourism.
Imaginative and prescient 2030 additionally goals to construct localized additive manufacturing manufacturing capabilities. Initially, this aim facilities across the protection, vitality, and manufacturing sectors.
“Since NAMI’s inception, we have now made vital progress in increasing the usage of additive manufacturing throughout the area,” defined NAMI CEO, Mohammed Swaidan. “Our collaboration with SEC reinforces our dedication to deal with the vitality sector, and 3D Methods’ expertise and purposes experience kind the inspiration of a transformative answer.”
Swaidan added that NAMI’s collaboration with SEC will improve provide chain reliance, and “drive substantial value efficiencies and operational enhancements.”


3D printing for vitality purposes
NAMI will not be the one firm leveraging additive manufacturing to optimize provide chain effectivity and cut back lead occasions in vitality purposes.
Final yr, it was introduced that US-based pure gasoline service supplier Upwing Vitality was leveraging large-format steel 3D printers from Velo3D to supply its Subsurface Compressor System (SCS) compressor module.
Utilizing Laser Powder Mattress Fusion (LPBF) 3D printing, the corporate reportedly decreased manufacturing time to help its SCS gasoline effectively deployment schedules. Upwing went from engineering design to full compressor rotor meeting manufacturing in 10 weeks. Moreover, simulation testing highlighted the top quality and sturdiness of the 3D printed half.
Elsewhere, 3D printing software program developer 3YOURMIND just lately partnered with RusselSmith to optimize operations inside Nigeria’s oil and gasoline business. The initiative seeks to refine the identification, digitization, and manufacturing processes wanted to 3D print important vitality components.
In accordance with RusselSmith, the partnership marks a big improvement for Nigeria’s vitality panorama. Additive manufacturing is ready to beat pertinent challenges related to ageing infrastructure and the procurement of legacy elements.
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Featured picture reveals NAMI amenities in Saudi Arabia. Picture by way of NAMI.