3D Systems Updates Saudi Arabian Growth Initiative

3D Systems and the Saudi Arabian Industrial Investments Company (Dussur) owned by the Public Investment Fund, Saudi Aramco, and SABIC, established the National Additive Manufacturing Innovation Company (NAMI) in 2022 to help enable Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 Program. NAMI brings metal and polymer 3D printing and application expertise to the Kingdom with support of 3D Systems’ advanced hardware solutions, materials and applications. Saudi Arabia is ranked as one of the world’s largest defense spenders and energy producers.

NAMI recently reached three major milestones.   

• Energy Production and Distribution: Saudi Electric Company (SEC) 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 strengthens NAMI while deepening collaboration with SEC to establish new workflows that accelerate adoption of 3D printing for 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 localization goals within Saudi Arabia.
• Aerospace & Defense: Lockheed Martin announced a collaboration with NAMI to qualify and additively manufacture military and aerospace components in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Building on 50-plus years of presence in the Kingdom, Lockheed Martin’s partnership with NAMI accelerates adoption of additive manufacturing in this region. Parts produced via this partnership can serve international aerospace and defense markets. 3D Systems’ Direct Metal Printing (DMP) technology and application expertise will help produce these components and expand manufacturing capabilities within the Kingdom. 

“In Saudi Arabia, we’re witnessing a thoughtful yet rapid transformation across every aspect of the economy and society," Dr. Jeffrey Graves, president and CEO of 3D Systems, says. "Vision 2030, launched by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, is building a vibrant, diverse, and innovative economy anchored by a strong local manufacturing base.

"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," Graves continues. "With NAMI, we can deliver everything from component manufacturing to the sale and servicing of printer fleets, enabling OEMs to localize production. 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.”

Sources: Press materials received from the company and additional information gleaned from the company’s website.