NAMI scales additive manufacturing in Saudi Arabia: Energy, NDT, and aerospace in focus

The National Additive Manufacturing Innovation Company (NAMI), founded in 2022 as a joint venture between 3D Systems and Dussur, reports three steps in expanding additive manufacturing in Saudi Arabia. The goal is the industrial implementation of Vision 2030 with localized supply chains and capability building in energy and defense applications. Technologically, NAMI relies on metal and polymer printing as well as 3D Systems’ Direct Metal Printing (DMP) for high-strength components with controlled porosity and reproducible surface finish.

In the energy sector, Saudi Electric Company (SEC) plans a strategic 30 percent stake in the expanded joint venture. This is intended to make high-demand spare parts available more quickly, establish digital spare-parts inventories, and reduce procurement lead times. The stake also serves as a vehicle for qualifying local specialists along AM process-chain management—from data preparation and build-job validation to post-processing.

For the oil and gas sector, NAMI concluded a five-year framework agreement worth 26 million US dollars with the Modern Isotope Factory. Up to 2,000 tungsten core components will be manufactured for non-destructive testing devices used in pipeline and weld inspections. The parts replace previously used uranium-based components and support regulatory goals as well as greater local manufacturing depth. Design and production address radiation protection, thermal management, and dimensional accuracy, including qualified inspection plans.

In aerospace, NAMI is cooperating with Lockheed Martin to qualify safety-critical components in the Kingdom and manufacture for international programs. The collaboration includes material approvals, process capability evidence (e.g., PBF-LB/M with DMP), non-destructive testing, and traceability in PLM systems.

In commenting on the progress 3D Systems is making in Saudi Arabia, Dr. Jeffrey Graves, president and CEO of 3D Systems said, “In Saudi Arabia, we’re witnessing a thoughtful yet rapid transformation across every aspect of the economy and society. 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. With NAMI, we can deliver everything from component manufacturing to the sale and servicing of printer fleets, enabling OEMs to localize 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.”