Stratasys distributor in Dubai, D2M Solutions FZE., is further expanding its operations in UAE with the opening of its new division, Paradigm 3D, which will be dedicated to offering a professional 3D printed parts on-demand service to the Middle East region. The company has been providing 3D printing services since 2009, but has recently increased its range and number of in-house Fortus3D Production systems.

Jimmy Nicolaides, General Manager of new division Paradigm 3D explained that the company offers professional quality 3D printed parts that can be used for fully functional prototypes and in some cases for end-use production parts.

"This is low volume production - not to be confused with hobbyist personal 3D printing, which is a whole different market. There is sometimes confusion over professional 3D printers and personal 3D printers. Our facility based in Dubai Silicon Oasis is equipped with Stratasys 3D Production Systems so we can supply durable parts that closely resemble real production parts in high performance materials."The company also pointed out the importance to development of local industries of the establishment of such a facility in the Middle East region: "We believe that having an expert company to supply 3D printed parts in the region will encourage new manufacturing companies to set-up in the region. They will be able to source their entire new product prototypes in hours to a few days, instead of weeks to months if they had to create metal tooling for this purpose, simply by uploading a 3D design file on-line. The reduction in time to creating a high quality commercial product will be impressive. Also, when low-cost production is needed, 3D printing can be the best way to get cost effective parts.

This opens a lot of doors for manufacturing innovative products in the Middle East and 3D printing has fewer restrictions on the type of products that can be manufactured in comparison with traditional production because the technology lends itself to free forms. Significantly, SMEs will not need a full production-line factory to begin the development of new products, so initial start-up costs can be minimized. We also believe that with Dubai hosting Expo 2020 that many companies will want to create innovative products that they can showcase during this exciting era and local demand for manufactured goods is sure to increase. "