Oman joins exclusive club of 3-D printer makers with new launch

Muscat: The first Omani-made 3D printer and its production line was launched in an inauguration ceremony held on Wednesday under the patronage of Dr. Saif Abdullah Al Haddabi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation for Research and Innovation.

The 3D printer, launched through a strategic cooperation between the 3D Factory company and Makers Oman Centre at Innovation Park Muscat of the Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation, is a high-quality, accurate and ultra-quiet printer that keeps pace with rapid advances in object manufacturing and prototyping technologies as well as converting ideas into tangible products. It is hoped that it will contribute to support the national economy and enter the local and global markets.

Moosa Al Amri, CEO of 3D Factory, affirmed that “this launch came about to keep pace with the growth witnessed in the field of 3D printing around the world in general and the Sultanate of Oman specifically, and meeting the scientific needs of those interested, manufacturers, students and researchers in the production of prototypes or commercial manufacturing”.

He added that the printer that was manufactured in the company is characterised by its ability of resuming printing in the event of a power loss or a sudden power outage, in addition to its ability to print with most modelling materials and engineering materials with shortened time and effort.

The printer has a high-definition touch screen that contributes to making the experience easy for all groups with the one click of a button, said Al Amri. He explained that the team of programmers in the company is currently working on making Arabic the main language for the printer, with the possibility of changing the language.

It is worth noting that 3D Factory was established in 2017 and comprises 9 young Omanis working full-time, with high academic qualifications and various technical skills, such as mechanical engineering, space science engineering, mechatronics and robotics, as well as finance, accounting and human resources. It is a company specialised in 3D printing and its technologies, production and mass manufacturing. It is also the first founder of the largest printer farm in the Sultanate of Oman.

As for Makers Oman Centre, it is one of the most prominent national projects implemented in a strategic partnership between Innovation Park Muscat of the Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation, the Ministry of Finance and Makerspace People. The centre covers an area of approximately 1,200 square metres, and includes the latest devices, equipment and interactive work techniques, which are supervised by specialised engineers from the Omani youth.