UAE: New additive manufacturing technology to cut aircraft emissions by 50%

UAE: New additive manufacturing technology to cut aircraft emissions by 50%

Innovative tech to provide 'sustainable alternative to conventional manufacturing processes'

Published: Fri 10 Jun 2022, 5:44 PM Last updated: Fri 10 Jun 2022, 5:54 PM

Technological innovations like additive manufacturing can be an effective tool to combat the climate change crisis. The emerging technology can ensure aircraft are energy-efficient and cut CO2 emissions by 50 per cent, a top expert said in Abu Dhabi.

Dr Nesma Aboulkhair, lead researcher, additive manufacturing, Advanced Materials Research Center (AMRC) at the Technology Innovation Institute (TII), says that additive manufacturing is a transformative technology that utilises computer-aided-design software (CAD) to create objects by "adding" material, whether that is metal, concrete or plastic.

"Additive manufacturing technologies have advanced significantly in recent years, and are set to become a highly disruptive force across the global manufacturing industry," she told Khaleej Times.

"Additive manufacturing allows us unprecedented freedom to realise incredible levels of light-weighting and functionality to boost industry operations – all while providing a sustainable alternative to conventional manufacturing processes."

Statista reports that the global additive manufacturing market is projected to reach $30.6 billion in 2028 and expand at a rate of 14.4 per cent annually.

Realising the significance of this new technology, Dr Aboulkhair pointed out that many industries are beginning to