Intelligent CIO Middle East Issue 20 | Page 10

NEWS QATAR Shaping the future with 3D printing A technology company in Qatar is looking to take people’s wildest ideas and turn them into reality through 3D printing. Vectorize, established in 2015, provides 3D printing services using a range of 23 materials varying from chocolate to metal. printers and hand-held scanners are revolutionising the way we think about different fields. architecture, engineering, and health care. “The technology is offering people access to ‘mini factories’ at the comfort of their own houses.” Not only does 3D printing allow the production of consumer goods in a more convenient, affordable, and efficient way. It is also more economically viable with localised production cutting the cost by at least 35%. The company was launched under the WISE initiative to contribute to The company offers scanning services to replicate peoples’ favourite objects; teaching services for individuals to learn the technologies; and the installation of creative spaces. “Vectorize will bring out the creative, curious child in you,” says the company’s mission statement. This is because it allows professionals to experiment with different materials and solutions at minimal cost. “We want you to see the world through the lenses of your imagination. We dream of a world where we can touch, show, and share what happens inside that bubble we call the head. Khaled Al-Saegh, CFO Co-founder, Vectorize “We want you to bring your thoughts to life. We want everyone to be able to bring their imagination to life.” Abir Bouguerra, co-founder and CEO of Vectorize, explained: “3D the development of the educational system in the country. It aimed to integrate 3D printing in the local curriculum. Through workshops and lesson plans, students were given the opportunity to visualise an object, design it using a simplified software, and then print it utilising a suitable 3D printer. Abir Bouguerra, CEO Co-founder, Vectorize 10 INTELLIGENTCIO Farid Mahfouz, COO Co- founder, Vectorize But the field of 3D printing is expanding and Vectorize is keeping up with technological developments by expanding into arts, fashion, entertainment, For example, one of Vectorize’s clients wanted to create an architectural model and provided the company with the design to do so. But the challenge was not an easy one as it was to print an architectural model called the Maquette, on a tight deadline using wood as material. At first, using the more traditional means of production, it took the client nine months to produce the model but Vectorize was able to deliver it in one month. “I know that the technology is quite new, and it’s not considered as a vital element in any field,” said Bouguerra. “What’s important to keep in mind, however, is that this technology works as a booster. It gives individuals the free space they need to experiment with anything they have in mind without thinking of the cost.” ¡ www.intelligentcio.com