---
title: "Roads maintained by Dubai’s RTA using 3D printing"
url: https://www.voxelmatters.com/roads-maintained-by-dubais-rta-using-3d-printing/
date: 2022-03-29
modified: 2022-03-28
lang: en
author: "Edward Wakefield"
description: "Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has devised new technical methods, through 3D printing, to manufacture spare parts for electromechanical systems as well as cladding parts and materials used in..."
categories:
  - "Additive Manufacturing"
  - "Transportation"
tags:
  - "insights"
image: https://www.voxelmatters.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Dubai-roads-640x360.jpeg
word_count: 344
---

# Roads maintained by Dubai’s RTA using 3D printing

Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has devised new technical methods, through 3D printing, to manufacture spare parts for electromechanical systems as well as cladding parts and materials used in the maintenance of roads and facilities affiliated with the Authority.

Executive Director of the Traffic and Roads Agency, Engineer Maitha bin Adai, stressed the importance of keeping pace with modern technologies and programs in the operational plans and programs of the Roads and Transport Authority - in order to contribute to the achievement of the [Dubai government's objectives in the field of 3D printing for the production of spare parts.](https://www.voxelmatters.com//dubai-launches-3d-printing-strategic-alliance/)

“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,” said bin Adai.

![Roads maintained by Dubai’s RTA using 3D printing. Revealing a 50% saving in the operational cost of purchasing spare parts.](https://www.voxelmatters.com//wp-content/uploads/2022/03/RTA-1-scaled.jpeg)Source: Government of Dubai Media Office

“As part of the initiative, selected types of spare parts were chosen to be 3D printed; based on specific criteria, such as the lack of spare parts in local markets and taking into consideration safety measures. The initial results of implementing the technology revealed a 50% saving in the operational cost of purchasing spare parts. Additional improvements were introduced on the factory-based spare parts on account of historical data analysis, which reduced breakdown rates to record-low levels. 3D printing technology also contributed to reducing the cost of transportation and the time needed to import spare parts to Dubai,” she added.

In the early stages of the initiative, the Traffic and Roads Corporation hired three leading companies in the field of manufacturing and developing of 3D printing technology to set future plans and studies around the development of spare parts manufacturing processes. As well as ensuring that they are efficient, and work as required, before they are entered into service in road maintenance systems and facilities in Dubai.