Opportunities and challenges in utilizing of 3D printing technology review; Case study in the state of Qatar industry

Abstract

The strategic blueprint outlined by Qatar National Vision 2030 (QNV 2030) underscores the pivotal role of the manufacturing and energy sectors in the nation's economic expansion and diversification efforts. Central to this vision is Qatar's ambition to ascend as a global leader in natural gas, leveraging its abundant reserves for monetization and expansion. Concurrently, a concerted effort is underway to augment the manufacturing industry, presently valued at approximately $21 billion USD. Recent data from the Ministry of Commerce underscores the sector's robust growth, marked by the inauguration of numerous factories and the introduction of a plethora of new products during Q4 of 2022. The integration of additive manufacturing technology, colloquially known as 3D printing, has emerged as a strategic imperative within Qatar's manufacturing strategy. This initiative seeks to elevate existing export platforms across various materials, including plastics, polymers, and aluminum, thereby unlocking novel avenues for additive manufacturing. This paper delves into the contemporary advancements in additive manufacturing, examining market dynamics across international, regional, and local landscapes. Furthermore, it elucidates the inherent advantages, challenges, and prerequisites for integrating 3D printing technology into Qatar's energy sector. Drawing from empirical evidence and scholarly discourse, the study underscores the transformative potential of additive manufacturing across diverse applications within the energy domain, ranging from process intensification to the production of non-critical spare parts. Despite burgeoning interest, Qatar's current ecosystem lacks a cohesive strategy for the widespread adoption of 3D printing technology within the energy-intensive manufacturing sector. This deficiency is primarily attributed to a dearth of scientific acumen and skilled human capital. Moreover, logistical constraints pertaining to the procurement of printing supplies pose additional hurdles to the technology's mainstream integration.