RTA to 3D-print spare parts to maintain, upgrade roads

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) will use a new 3D printing technology to manufacture spare parts for electromechanical systems and cladding materials used in the maintenance of roads and related facilities.

Maitha bin Adai, CEO of Traffic and Roads Agency, said: “During the past few months, the RTA developed a new initiative and conducted various studies and experiments to increase the availability of spare parts for roads maintenance systems, in cooperation with specialist 3D printing companies".

"The initiative has proved to be successful in extending the sources of spare parts such as propeller fans, control equipment, and cladding for tunnel walls in Dubai’s road facilities.”

“The initial results of implementing the technology revealed 50 per cent savings in the operational cost of purchasing spare parts. 3D printing technology also contributed to reducing the cost of transportation and the time needed to import spare parts to Dubai,” added bin Adai.