Joint Venture Between Amaero And Abu Dhabi Firm Will Foster Metal Additive Manufacturing

Additive manufacturing is gaining momentum worldwide, but in certain parts of the world it is less established than in others. In a significant move towards the adoption of the technology in the Middle East, the Australian firm Amaero International Limited, a service bureau which offers metal 3D printing production, and Rabdan Industries PLC, an affiliate of diversified holding company Ethmar Holdings based in Abu Dhabi, UAE, have announced an exclusive partnership for Additive Manufacturing and metal powder production in the region.

The two firms have now formed a joint venture. Together, they have created Falcon Advanced Metals PLC, which will act as a holding company to allow for the establishment of subsidiaries. Not only will this joint venture pursue metal 3D printing and metal powder production, it will also pursue the aim of vertical integration of the titanium supply chain, from sponge, melt, mill and forge operations. The project which will be followed has a capital budget of A$300 million (USD $203 million) and includes an additive manufacturing center, large format 3D printing, and large scale production of metal powders (this will include seven gas atomisers).

Metal powder additive manufacturing is performed by Amaero (photo credit: am-ace)

The two firms wish to combine their respective skills and networks in order to create an additive manufacturing powerhouse in the UAE. According to the contract, ‘​​Amaero will contribute goodwill, reputation and expertise and Rabdan will contribute local knowledge and relationships’.