TII has launched AMALLOY-HT, the first metal additive manufacturing alloy designed in the Middle East for harsh operating conditions. The new aluminum alloy powder is designed for use in Powder Bed Fusion – Laser Beam (PBF-LB) systems. AMALLOY-HT demonstrates excellent thermal stability, especially in high-temperature environments (up to 300°C). Why it matters: This advancement positions the UAE as a key player in additive manufacturing materials research and expands the range of 3D-printable high-strength metals, enabling new applications in aerospace, automotive, and energy.
The Technology Innovation Institute (TII) will host the second "Additive Manufacturing the Future" seminar in Abu Dhabi on April 27th. The seminar will gather global experts in additive manufacturing and 3D printing to discuss challenges, opportunities, and emerging trends in the sector. Topics include design, materials, manufacturing processes, industry applications, and standardization. Why it matters: The event indicates the UAE's growing focus on advanced manufacturing technologies like 3D printing, with TII playing a key role in fostering collaboration and innovation.
The Technology Innovation Institute's (TII) Advanced Materials Research Center (AMRC) will host an in-person seminar titled ‘Additive Manufacturing the Future’ on May 19 in Abu Dhabi. The seminar will offer insights into additive manufacturing technologies and their applications across industries. Global experts will discuss advances and solutions driving Industry 4.0. Why it matters: The event highlights the UAE's growing focus on advanced manufacturing and its potential to become a hub for additive manufacturing technologies in the region.
KAUST researchers are exploring novel chemical reactors and separation processes using mathematical design, with a focus on time and shape variables to enhance transport, heat transfer, and mass transfer. By aligning design, modeling, and 3D printing, they create customized shapes with great complexity and less material. This approach allows for the creation of bespoke reactors and separation processes tailored to specific applications, improving efficiency and reducing energy consumption. Why it matters: This research demonstrates the potential of advanced manufacturing techniques to revolutionize industrial design in the Middle East's chemical and pharmaceutical sectors.
KAUST researchers are using 3D printing with a novel calcium carbonate ink to create coral support structures that accelerate coral restoration. Their approach, named 3D CoraPrint, involves printing coral microfragments onto the structure, offering a head start for reef recovery. Two methods were developed: printing a mold for reproduction and direct printing for customization. Why it matters: This eco-friendly technique provides a potentially scalable solution to combat coral reef degradation, leveraging advanced materials and fabrication for ecological conservation in the region and beyond.
Dr. Nesma Aboulkhair, Additive Manufacturing Lead Researcher at TII, has been ranked among Stanford's top 2% of scientists for single-year citations for the second consecutive year. Dr. Aboulkhair joined TII in April 2021 and also holds a visiting academic position at the University of Nottingham in the UK. Her research focuses on metal additive manufacturing processes, including powder-based and droplet-on-demand methods, and she has secured over GBP2 million in funding. Why it matters: This recognition highlights the growing expertise in advanced manufacturing within UAE research institutions and TII's ability to attract and foster high-impact researchers in critical fields.
A talk at the Directed Energy Research Center (DERC) at TII will discuss rapid prototyping using laser-cutting facilities available at MakerSpace in Al Zeina. The talk will cover constructing prototypes from wood and acrylic and compare this approach to traditional 3D printing. The speakers will also describe the impact of the ‘4th Industrial Revolution’ on manufacturing in the UAE, and how makerspaces can contribute to Operation 300bn. Why it matters: This highlights the UAE's focus on advanced manufacturing and the role of makerspaces in fostering innovation and developing local capabilities.
KAUST researchers used the Shaheen XC40 supercomputer to simulate airflow around a McLaren 17D Formula One front wing endplate. They then 3D printed the wing with colored flow patterns to visualize key aerodynamic features. The team combined expertise from the Extreme Computing Research Center (ECRC), the Advanced Algorithm and Numerical Simulations Lab (AANSLab), and the Prototyping and Product Development Core Lab (PCL). Why it matters: This project showcases KAUST's supercomputing and 3D printing capabilities for advanced engineering applications, potentially impacting fields beyond Formula One aerodynamics.