China-Saudi Arabia Major Metal 3D Printing Cooperation Project Lands: XDM and Saudi Tamimi Group Establish Joint Venture

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September 23, 2025 Applications 554

In recent years, Saudi Arabia's investment in and cooperation with Chinese technology companies have shown a continuous growth trend, with 3D printing becoming one of the key areas of focus for Saudi Arabia.

XDM and Tamimi Group team photo at the signing ceremony.

Recently, XDM, a leading metal additive manufacturing (3D printing) technology company, and the Saudi century-old commercial giant Tamimi Group officially signed a joint venture agreement in Dammam, Saudi Arabia. The two parties jointly announced the establishment of a high-tech joint venture focused on the research, development, and industrial application of additive manufacturing technology.

It is reported that the newly established joint venture will fully explore business opportunities within the Saudi Aramco system, deeply cultivate the 3D printing manufacturing market for petrochemical equipment and core spare parts in Saudi Arabia and the Gulf region, and layout the incremental market for high-value-added innovative 3D printed products in Europe and America. Together, they aim to promote new developments in the international high-end manufacturing sector.

A metal 3D printer from XDM, photographed by nanjixiong

This project is one of the 35 major cooperation agreements signed between China and Saudi Arabia in December 2022. Its successful implementation marks a further deepening of collaboration between the two countries in the high-tech sector.

Abdullah Al Othman, Director of the Advanced Manufacturing Development Department at Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Investment, stated: "The successful signing of this project is an important milestone in Saudi-China cooperation within the manufacturing sector. Since XDM's strategic cooperation agreement with Saudi Aramco in 2020, the Saudi Ministry of Investment has been closely monitoring and has provided continuous support to facilitate the project's launch. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia considers high-end equipment manufacturing and smart manufacturing as key initiatives for achieving 'Vision 2030.' The introduction of 3D printing technology will provide crucial technical support for the development of Saudi Arabia's high-end manufacturing sector and the localization of equipment manufacturing, serving as a significant milestone in the kingdom's industrial transformation."

XDM has launched the XDM 2000, an ultra-large selective laser melting (SLM) equipment with a maximum forming size of 2 meters.

Professor Zhang Zhengwen, Chairman of XDM, stated at the signing ceremony: "XDM is always committed to exploring new application scenarios for 3D printing, developing new products, and tapping into incremental markets, while actively expanding into international markets such as the Middle East, Europe, and America. Cooperation with Saudi Aramco and Saudi Arabia is a key focus of our global strategy. Since becoming a strategic partner of Saudi Aramco in 2020 and its first key component 3D printing supplier in 2023, we have been dedicated to promoting the implementation of this project in Saudi Arabia. This joint venture is not only an important foothold for XDM to explore the Saudi and Gulf markets but also a crucial component of our global layout. We will fully promote the rapid growth of the company's business and the construction of a localized team, contributing to the realization of Saudi Arabia's 'Vision 2030'."

Mr. Mohammed Al Yashan, President of International Development at Saudi Tamimi Group, said: "As a long-term strategic partner of Saudi Aramco, Tamimi Group has a solid industry position in traditional sectors such as petrochemicals, supermarkets, catering, and construction. The establishment of this joint venture will officially open a new chapter in the Group's high-tech transformation, paving a new direction for the company's future development."

Cases of Metal Parts 3D-Printed by XDM

XDM, as one of the few companies globally capable of manufacturing extra-large powder bed metal 3D printing equipment (with a maximum forming size of 2000mm × 2000mm), possesses a complete technology chain and nearly a hundred intellectual property rights. Meanwhile, the Tamimi Group brings over 80 years of local Saudi experience and a diversified industry presence, with its petrochemical sector having long served the oil and gas industry, boasting strong engineering and supply chain capabilities. The collaboration between the two parties directly serves core energy enterprises like Saudi Aramco and targets high-value-added markets in the region as well as in Europe and America, demonstrating significant benchmark potential. This powerful partnership between XDM and the Tamimi Group is not merely about market expansion but represents an in-depth practice of technology implementation, capacity integration, and strategic synergy. It is expected to become a model case of high-tech cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative.

About XDM

Suzhou XDM 3D Printing Technology Co., Ltd. (XDM) is a globally renowned enterprise dedicated to the research, development, and manufacturing of Selective Laser Melting (SLM) metal 3D printing equipment. In 2017, the company launched the XDM750, then the world's largest SLM equipment by forming size (750mm x 750mm), garnering widespread attention within the industry. In 2021, it again released an ultra-large powder bed laser melting equipment (with a forming size of 2000mm x 2000mm), filling an international gap and further consolidating its leading technological position in the industry. The company possesses a complete product line of large, medium, and small metal 3D printing equipment and a full set of software ecosystems. It masters advanced product design and structural optimization technologies based on 3D printing and has obtained nearly a hundred patents and software copyrights.

About Tamimi Group

Saudi Arabia's Tamimi Group, founded in 1940, is a diversified conglomerate with business interests spanning oilfield services and supplies, supermarket chains, catering, real estate, and other sectors. Its petrochemical division focuses on providing equipment supply and engineering support services to the oil and gas industry. Through its diversified operations, the group holds a significant position in the Saudi market and actively participates in international cooperation to promote the diversified development of Saudi Arabia's economy.