DEWA (Dubai Electricity and Water Authority) has big plans for 3D printing. The company is the first GCC-based organisation to deploy Markforged Metalx 3D printing based on wire/filament. DEWA also uses 3D printers to produce prototypes and spare parts for DEWA’s generation, transmission, and distribution divisions, and to support the digitisation of its inventory.
The R&D Centre at the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park supports rapid prototyping through its 3D printer advanced features. It also provides technical solutions, training, knowledge sharing, mechanical testing, techno-economic analysis, and research and development in additive manufacturing.
The R&D Centre also includes DEWA’s Robotics & Drone laboratory, which is the first building in the UAE to be fully printed onsite, and the first such 3D-printed lab in the world. The lab houses rovers and drones that are designed and built in-house.
Commenting on the breakthroughs in 3D printing, the managing director and chief executive officer of DEWA, HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, said: “The 3D printing programme at DEWA has been selected as one of the Dubai 10X initiative projects, which was launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.”
“The programme also supports the Dubai 3D Printing Strategy, which is a unique global initiative to use technology for the service of humanity and promote the status of the UAE and Dubai as a global hub for 3D printing technology by 2030.
Al Tayer added: “DEWA’s R&D Centre supports 3D printing of components that can endure high temperatures and harsh weather conditions. It includes the latest 3D printing technologies, such as reinforced plastic printers using a mixture of carbon fibre or fibreglass; CYBE printers; and Markforged Metalx metal printers.
“The Centre strengthens DEWA staff’s capabilities in 3D printing, through workshops and training sessions. Besides, it develops the experiences of its engineers and researchers and consolidates their knowledge of additive manufacturing, which supports national capabilities.”
Back in March DEWA organised 3D Printing and Additive Manufacturing Workshop, in cooperation with General Electric (GE). The workshop was part of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that was signed between DEWA and GE last March to collaborate in 3D printing, additive manufacturing, and Industrial Internet technologies. The workshop supports DEWA’s 3D Printing plan, in cooperation with the GE Additive Manufacturing Unit.
