Design

Launch of UAE’s “first-ever” 3D printing facility with Immensa Labs

Continuing its 3D printing mission, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has announced the launch of its first-ever 3D printing facility by way of Immensa Labs.

The facility, which is based in Dubai, is part of the Dubai 3D printing strategy which was launched by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai. The strategy aims to promote global implementation of 3D printing “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.”

Immensa Labs was established in 2016 and will now be better enabled to fulfil its aim of providing local businesses and customers with 3D printing solutions.

However, as Melaine Keeley from D2M Solutions FZE points out,

[D2M Solutions FZE] actually announced the first 3D Printing Factory in Dubai in 2014. We are part of Stratasys Direct Manufacturing network, and we have multiple the high end Fortus 3D production systems in-house using FDM technology, and additionally we have Polyjet 3D printers at our Dubai premises.

Immensa 3D printed Alumide parts using its Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) machines. Image via Immensa Labs.
Immensa 3D printed Alumide parts using its Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) machines. Image via Immensa Labs.

3D printing capabilities

The new Immensa Labs state-of-the-art facility is now home to over eight 3D printing systems capable of production in over 30 different materials. According to Immensa Labs, the business operates machines using Selective Laser Sintering (SLS), Stereolithography (SLA), Fused deposition modelling (FDM) and Material Jetting technologies. Fahmi Al-Shawwa, CEO of Immensa Technology Labs, explains the importance of the company’s geography,

There are ample opportunities for organisations in the UAE to adopt AM to enhance their efficiencies and competitiveness, and we are focused on providing world-class and viable 3D printing solutions. Our team is passionate about 3D printing, design and manufacturing, and we cover the entire process to help our clients every step of the way, from design concepts and material options to technology selection, 3D printing production and post-production processing.

Immensa Labs states it has developed its own proprietary techniques, these include post-processing methods such as polishing and dyeing. Research & Development is a main goal for the Dubai company and hope to continue expanding its operations with new techniques.

Immensa used its proprietary post-processing methods to produce black parts for a client. Image via Immensa Labs.
Immensa used its proprietary post-processing methods to produce black parts for a client. Image via Immensa Labs.

Dubai 3D printing on a new level

The opening of the facility hopes to expand use of 3D printing in Dubai. Other projects in the region have been rather large-scale with plans to 3D print skyscrapers and, more recently, a concrete 3D printed research laboratory. Construction 3D printing appears to be a central part of Dubai’s expectations for the future of this technology with the launch of its Smart Buildability Index. However on a new level, this first 3D printing facility should help implement additive manufacturing as an alternative method for the creation of small components or parts.

Fahmi Al-Shawwa, CEO of Immensa Labs continues to demonstrate the expectations for the technology as he says,

We are pleased to be opening our doors and supporting the Dubai 3D Printing Strategy, as we are confident that AM is the next big step in the world of manufacturing. This technology will support a new era of innovation by unlocking a world of fresh possibilities.

If Dubai and the greater UAE is truly intent on accelerating adoption of 3D printing, the opening of this facility will be a big step towards these goals.

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Featured image shows SLS parts produced by Immensa Labs. Photo via Emirates 24/7.