3D Systems and Dussur mark NAMI’s progress in advancing Additive Manufacturing for Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030
3D Systems, Rock Hill, South Carolina, USA, recently reported on milestones achieved by its co-owned National Additive Manufacturing Innovation Company (NAMI) in the three years since the organisation’s inception. Founded in 2022 as a joint venture between 3D Systems and Dussur – the Saudi Arabian Industrial Investments Company, owned by the Public Investment Fund, Saudi Aramco, and SABIC – NAMI was established to support Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 programme by bringing 3D Systems’ metal and polymer Additive Manufacturing technologies and applications expertise to the region.
“In Saudi Arabia, we’re witnessing a thoughtful yet rapid transformation across every aspect of the economy and society,” stated Jeffrey Graves, president and CEO of 3D Systems. “Vision 2030, launched by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, is building a vibrant, diverse, and innovative economy anchored by a strong local manufacturing base. This creates tremendous opportunities for disruptive technologies like 3D printing to thrive. Through our partnership with Dussur, we’re proud to contribute to this progress by bringing advanced application expertise and Additive Manufacturing technologies into the Kingdom.”
In its statement, 3D Systems highlighted progress in NAMI’s three main sectors: energy, oil & gas, and aerospace & defence.
Energy production & distribution
Saudi Electric Company (SEC), reportedly the Middle East’s largest power producer, has signed an agreement to subscribe to a 30% stake in NAMI to reduce costs for high-demand spare parts, accelerate production and supply timelines and advance digital warehousing.
This partnership is intended to strengthen NAMI while deepening collaboration with SEC to establish new workflows that accelerate the adoption of Additive Manufacturing for critical energy infrastructure applications and develop a skilled national workforce.
Oil & gas infrastructure
Modern Isotopes Factory (MIF), a Saudi company established to support the expanding need for radioactive sources for industrial applications, has signed a framework agreement of $26 million with NAMI involving the manufacture of up to 2,000 tungsten core components used in non-destructive testing (NDT) devices for pipeline and welding inspection. These components replace depleted uranium-based parts, aligning with regulatory and localisation goals within Saudi Arabia.
Aerospace & defence
In September of this year, Lockheed Martin announced a collaboration with NAMI to qualify and additively manufacture critical military and aerospace components in Saudi Arabia.
Parts produced through this partnership are expected to serve international aerospace and defence markets, supporting Saudi Arabia’s role in global supply chains. 3D Systems’ metal Additive Manufacturing technology and application expertise will play a central role in producing these components and expanding advanced manufacturing capabilities within the country.
Dr Graves concluded, “With NAMI, we can deliver everything from component manufacturing to the sale and servicing of printer fleets, enabling OEMs to localise production. Our ambition is to be a key technology partner supporting the Kingdom’s industrial future. We’re especially pleased to welcome Saudi Electric Company as a partner in our joint venture and both Lockheed Martin and MIF as key customers for NAMI moving forward.”
