As EBBAMS, Egypt’s leading 3D printing hub, celebrates five years of innovation and excellence, Aditya Chandavarkar, Managing Editor of AM Chronicle, sat down with the EBBAMS team to delve into their remarkable journey. In this exclusive interview, we explore the key milestones, challenges, and achievements that have shaped EBBAMS since its establishment in 2019. From delivering cutting-edge consulting solutions to pioneering advancements in rapid prototyping and custom parts manufacturing, EBBAMS continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible in the world of additive manufacturing.
Can you share the journey of EBBAMS over the past five years and highlight some of the key milestones that have defined your progress in the additive manufacturing industry in Egypt?
Over the past five years, EBBAMS has made significant strides in Egypt’s additive manufacturing industry. Founded with the vision to transform local manufacturing processes through advanced 3D printing technologies, we achieved a major milestone with the successful deployment of industrial-scale metal additive manufacturing systems for the first time in Egypt, establishing our presence in high-precision production.
Another key achievement has been our collaboration with leading local industries, where we integrated 3D printing into their operations, resulting in enhanced efficiency and cost savings. Our continuous investment in research and development has been crucial, enabling us to refine our technology and expand our capabilities.The SLM (Selective Laser Melting) technology has become a vital part of EBBAMS’ evolution in 3D printing. The integration of SLM represents a significant advancement in our capacity to produce high-precision, durable metal components made out stainless steels, tool steels and soon titanium alloys.
Additionally, our participation in the EU-funded Pioneer project is a landmark achievement in EBBAMS’ history, driving a transformative shift in our technological capabilities. Funded by the European Union, this initiative has been instrumental in enhancing our 3D printing processes. With EU support, we have integrated cutting-edge technologies and developed modelling simulations that further expanded the frontiers of innovation.
EBBAMS is known for its focus on innovation and re-engineering. What are some of the unique customer challenges you have encountered, and how have you leveraged innovation to address these challenges?
At EBBAMS, we specialise in solving complex challenges through innovative 3D printing solutions. A notable example was our work with industrial clients who required highly specialised, intricate parts that met stringent quality standards. In Egypt, the adoption of 3D printing technology faces several obstacles, primarily due to a general lack of awareness and understanding of its capabilities. Many individuals and businesses are unfamiliar with the potential applications and benefits of 3D printing, which slows its acceptance and integration across industries such as manufacturing and healthcare.
This knowledge gap often leads to skepticism, as people may not fully recognise how 3D printing can revolutionise these sectors. Moreover, limited access to educational resources and training programs further impedes the local adoption of this transformative technology. To address these challenges, increased efforts in education, outreach, and showcasing successful 3D printing applications are essential. These efforts will help raise awareness and create a more supportive environment for technological innovation in Egypt.
How do you see the current state of additive manufacturing in Egypt? What role has EBBAMS played in shaping the industry, and what do you envision for its future growth and development?
The additive manufacturing industry in Egypt is rapidly growing, with increasing interest from a variety of sectors. EBBAMS has been pivotal in this development, leading the way in adopting 3D printing technologies and showcasing their practical applications. We have played a key role in educating the market on the benefits of additive manufacturing, particularly its potential for customisation. Looking ahead, I anticipate further expansion of the industry as more companies recognise the innovative and efficient capabilities of 3D printing. EBBAMS will remain at the forefront of this transformation, driving advancements and setting new standards in the industry.
Given your experience in various industries, how have you seen businesses transform their design and manufacturing processes through 3D printing? Can you provide examples of significant transformations enabled by EBBAMS?
In our experience, businesses across various industries are undergoing profound transformations driven by 3D printing technology. For example, in the medical sector, we have facilitated rapid prototyping and the production of customised parts, significantly reducing development times and improving precision, such as in the creation of surgical guides. In the consumer goods industry, our technology has enabled companies to produce bespoke products and limited-edition designs with minimal waste. EBBAMS has been instrumental in these transformations, offering tailored solutions that align with our clients’ specific needs and objectives, helping them remain competitive and innovative.
What are the future goals and aspirations for EBBAMS? How do you plan to continue driving innovation and maintaining your reputation as a trusted partner for your customers in the coming years?
Looking forward, EBBAMS aims to continue pushing the boundaries of additive manufacturing. Our goals include expanding our technology offerings, exploring new material possibilities, and strengthening our partnerships with both local and regional clients.
The company plans to expand its capabilities by incorporating cutting-edge materials such as titanium, which promises to enhance the strength, durability, and versatility of its printed products. This move will open new avenues for applications in sectors like aerospace, medical implants, and high-performance manufacturing.
Ebbams is strategically enhancing its capabilities by integrating advanced SLA (Stereolithography) and SLS (Selective Laser Sintering) of PEEK technologies into its operations. SLA, recognised for its precision and ability to produce intricate, highly detailed prototypes, will enable EBBAMS to offer superior quality and accuracy in its 3D-printed components. This development is particularly advantageous for industries requiring complex, precise parts, such as aerospace and medical devices.
Simultaneously, the addition of PEEK—a high-performance thermoplastic known for its exceptional strength, chemical resistance, and thermal stability—will allow EBBAMS to manufacture robust and reliable components capable of withstanding extreme conditions. By adopting these advanced technologies, EBBAMS aims to deliver cutting-edge solutions that meet the rigorous demands of modern industries, driving innovation and setting new benchmarks in 3D printing.
Additive Manufacturing (AM) in Egypt is seeing remarkable growth across industries such as automotive, aerospace, healthcare, and more. From 3D printing medical devices to pioneering innovations in jewelry and dental applications, the country is advancing rapidly in AM adoption. The Egyptian government and research institutes are playing pivotal roles in driving this growth through initiatives like Egypt Vision 2030 and dedicated research labs. As Egypt embraces the Fourth Industrial Revolution, AM is poised to transform its manufacturing landscape, pushing boundaries in both technology and innovation. Read more about Egypt’s AM journey here!
