Additive manufacturing, or 3D printing, has the potential to completely transform the industrial sector in Africa by making it possible to produce prototypes and intricate parts at a very cheap cost. African companies may benefit from this technology to compete worldwide. Wee3DP, 3DIMO, and Minkani3D are three of Africa's top 3D printing firms. Africa is a particularly good place for 3D printing since it has limited access to trained labour and traditional industrial technology. Through 3D printing, African enterprises can rapidly and economically generate complicated components and prototypes by avoiding the need for costly tooling and manufacturing lines.
Fab Lab Egypt
Fab Lab Egypt is a Cairo-based firm that was founded in 2016 and provides a variety of services, such as electronics, woodworking, soldering, laser cutting, PCB milling, 3D engraving, and printing. In the industry, it is ranked 27th out of 197 rivals, despite not having any funding. Its position in the tech startup scene is shown by its Tracxn score of 15 out of 100. The shark in the company's emblem represents power and inventiveness, which is consistent with its values and objectives. Fab Lab Egypt offers a wide range of services to satisfy the demands of its clients and functions as a centre for technical growth and innovation in the area.
Shark
Shark is a 2012-founded Libyan firm that specialises in low-cost FFF-based 3D printers. Shark has persisted in concentrating on innovation and improving its products despite obstacles. The company's competitive standing is shown by its Tracxn Score of 13 out of 100. Shark is dedicated to its vision and ambitions, even if it is now at a Deadpool stage. It is ranked 84th out of 507 firms, indicating its durability and tenacity in the face of competition. Shark's distinct posture and beliefs within the industry are embodied in the logo of Klaks Technologies.
Klaks Technologies
Based in Kumasi, Ghana, Klaks Technologies is a top manufacturer of cutting-edge desktop 3D printers. One of their models is the KLAKS 3D printer, which produces prints with excellent quality by utilising fused filament fabrication (FFF) technology. The firm uses recycled electronic trash in its goods as part of its commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility. To satisfy a variety of client demands, Klaks Technologies also provides 3D printing services. Although the corporation offers amazing technology services, it is now "Deadpooled," suggesting that its commercial approach may change. The firm provides a comprehensive 3D printing experience with its creative, eco-friendly, and customer-focused methods.
Aeroswift
A South African business called Aeroswift specialises in metal 3D printers that use the Powder Bed Fusion (PBF) method. Aeroswift, which is now ranked 14th out of 23 competitors, has advanced significantly in the field despite lacking funding. The firm has a Tracxn Score of 10/100, indicating that it is a prospective participant in the market with a solid foundation in technology. The success of the firm may be attributed to its partnership with the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research.
MicroDrone
Quadcopter drones for leisure flight and amateur photography are produced by MicroDrone, a South African drone technology firm. MicroDrone 2.0, the company's main product, comes with a camera package or is available separately. The business also creates the MicroDrone 3, a tiny drone intended for leisure usage. With the use of companion software and a smartphone or remote controller, users may operate these drones. Both FPV and LoS modes are supported for them. Moreover, MicroDrone offers drone designs for 3D printing by do-it-yourselfers.
Filament Factory
The South African 3D printing startup Filament Factory focuses on creating industrial-grade filaments for additive manufacturing techniques, such as PLA, ABS, and woodfill. Additionally, they create and produce auxiliary gear for applications using 3D printing. The firm was founded in 2013 and now ranks 118th out of 376 rivals with a Tracxn score of 6 out of 100. Their unique emblem, the Micrive Infinite, represents their never-ending quest for excellence and the seemingly endless possibilities presented by 3D printing technology.
Micrive Infinite
Medical 3D printing company Micrive Infinite works with surgeons to produce customised anatomical models for each patient. These models enhance surgical techniques and help physicians make more informed judgements. Despite obstacles, Micrive Infinite is ranked 39th out of 77 rivals and has a Tracxn Score of 6/100, indicating that its contributions to the healthcare sector are acknowledged. Its collaboration with Villgro Kenya and Amnova Tech's logo design demonstrates its dedication to creative solutions and patient-centred healthcare.
Amnova Tech
Amnova Tech is a South African firm that sells industrial 3D printing technology along with 3D printed hybrids. They provide services for additive manufacturing, design, prototyping, and 3D printing. The Big Brother V1.1 is an industrial large-format 3D printing device made by Amnova Tech that has a printing volume of more than 1.7 cubic metres and a motion range of 1.2 metres. The system incorporates third-party equipment and innovative features for the progress of hybrid manufacturing, and it is flexible in design. Amnova Tech provides services to a range of sectors, such as aerospace, automotive, IoT, electronics, and creative arts.
Minkani3D
Minkani3D is a Johannesburg-based business that provides cutting-edge 3D printing services to a range of sectors, including mining, manufacturing, and healthcare. With a group of knowledgeable engineers and technicians, the business offers professional guidance on creating and designing premium 3D printed parts. Minkani3D is dedicated to upholding stringent quality standards and continuously surpasses customer expectations by guaranteeing the excellent performance and accuracy of complex items produced using cutting-edge 3D printing techniques.
Wee3DP
Established in 2017 in the bustling metropolis of Accra, Ghana, Wee3DP is a Ghanaian firm committed to transforming industries with its state-of-the-art 3D printing services. In addition to serving the manufacturing, healthcare, and education sectors, their specialised products strongly emphasise having a beneficial social impact. Through the utilisation of 3D printing technology, Wee3DP regularly develops novel approaches to address common problems in the African context. This pledge highlights their critical role in advancing development and meeting urgent needs in the area, establishing a high bar for tech-driven social entrepreneurship.
3DIMO
Founded in 2018, 3DIMO is a Kenyan firm that specialises in 3D printing services for the construction, manufacturing, and healthcare sectors. 3DIMO serves a wide range of clients with accurate and effective solutions because of its cutting-edge facility that is furnished with the newest technology. The company's committed staff of skilled engineers and technicians makes sure that every client's unique needs are satisfied with accuracy and care. 3DIMO keeps pushing the limits of additive manufacturing while emphasising technical excellence and customer satisfaction, creating new benchmarks for dependability and quality in the sector.
Conclusion
African 3D printing businesses are transforming the industrial sector by creating complex components and prototypes at a low cost. Businesses using this technology to compete worldwide and produce cutting-edge goods include Attri, Fab Lab Egypt, Shark, Klaks Technologies, Aeroswift, MicroDrone, Filament Factory, Micrive Infinite, Amnova Tech, Minkani3D, and Wee3DP. Electronics, woodworking, soldering, laser cutting, PCB milling, 3D engraving, and printing are among the services provided by these firms.
