Additive Manufacturing (AM) is revolutionizing industries by enabling the creation of complex geometries and custom components that were previously unattainable through traditional manufacturing methods. At Texas A&M University at Qatar, our research teams are at the forefront of this technological advancement, leveraging state-of-the-art facilities and interdisciplinary expertise to push the boundaries of what’s possible in AM.
Texas A&M at Qatar’s ISO 9001:2015 certified Rapid Manufacturing lab provides students, researchers, and engineers across disciplines with the capability to manufacture functional parts and prototypes with intricate geometries that would otherwise be challenging to produce using traditional methods.
Within the facility, a diverse array of 3D printers incorporating cutting-edge technologies is available, including SLS (Selective Laser Sintering), SLA (Stereolithography), SLM (Selective Laser Melting), MJP (Multi Jet Printing), EBM (Electron Beam Printing), and FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling) technologies. These machines offer a wide range of build volumes and materials. A new robotic Directed Energy Deposition (DED) cell is currently being added to the facility to further enhance research capabilities. This DED printer is designed for integration with various sensors for process monitoring purposes, enabling real-time observation and optimization of the manufacturing process. Additionally, the facility can perform 3D scanning for reverse engineering projects, create digital replicas of existing parts, and perform dimensional accuracy checks.
Research at Texas A&M University on Additive Manufacturing in Qatar
Our research at Texas A&M University is Advancing Additive Manufacturing in Qatar leverages Additive Manufacturing to advance Smart and Sustainable Manufacturing Technologies. We develop experimentally validated advanced modeling and simulation tools to predict the behavior and performance during AM processes leading to the development of multiscale printability maps. Research activities span from the design phase through printing to the qualification and characterization stages. In addition, we are working closely with the industry on integrating AM technologies in their operations and digital transformation:
One project “Advancing Additive Manufacturing Technologies in the Energy Sector in Qatar,” sponsored by Qatar Shell Research and Technology Centre, is focused on integrating advanced AM technologies into the energy sector, aiming to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance the production capabilities of energy companies in Qatar.
“The Impact of Additive Manufacturing (AM) Technologies on the Transformation of the Oil and Gas Industry from Physical to Digital Warehousing,” sponsored by TotalEnergies, explores how AM can transform the oil and gas industry by shifting from traditional physical inventory to a more efficient digital warehousing system.
The “Conversion of Plastic Waste to Value 3D Printing Material” project, sponsored by Qatar Petrochemical Company (QAPCO), addresses environmental sustainability by converting LDPE and HDPE waste plastics into valuable 3D printing materials. The team has successfully demonstrated the printability of these materials and conducted comprehensive characterization tests of their rheological and mechanical properties. These measurements are currently being used to develop printability maps, enhancing the usability of recycled materials in the AM.
Looking ahead, Texas A&M Qatar aims to expand its AM research to explore new materials, advanced process monitoring techniques, and the integration of artificial intelligence in manufacturing. We are committed to driving forward the frontiers of AM technology, with a focus on sustainability, efficiency, and industrial applicability. Our future projects will continue to address critical industry challenges, fostering a sustainable and technologically advanced manufacturing landscape in Qatar and beyond.
