Launched at the Iranian Research Organization for Science and Technology (IROST), the facility marks a significant step forward in domestic industrial 3D printing capabilities.
The inauguration ceremony took place on February 24, coinciding with Iran’s National Engineer’s Day.
MAPNA Group President Mohammad Owliya spoke at the event. He congratulated attendees on Engineer’s Day and thanked all entities involved in establishing the new tech-focused company.
Owliya highlighted the rarity of such collaboration in the domestic industry. “We have now reached a point where at least 4 different entities have created synergy to produce these parts under the title of one company, and this is considered an advantage,” he said.
He added that having multiple 3D printers operating together increases production capacity while saving significant time and resources. Owliya also credited IROST for hosting the facility and enabling this development.
Fostering Knowledge-Based Technologies
Defining the conglomerate’s core focus, Owliya said, “If MAPNA Group wants to define itself in one word, that word is energy.”
He emphasized that the primary goal of this new technology is to support and complement operations ranging from research and design to industrial manufacturing for other MAPNA subsidiaries.
According to Owliya, the primary mission of MAPNA Additive Manufacturing Company is to fulfill the needs of MAPNA’s diverse portfolio of companies. Therefore, the energy sector will remain its main field of activity.
He also noted the growing importance of knowledge-based companies within the energy industry. To support this, MAPNA recently launched a Venture Capital (VC) fund. Owliya mentioned that this fund will help drive further developments for industrial tech companies within the IROST environment.
Alireza Ashouri, Head of IROST, expressed readiness to allocate dedicated space for technological development within the organization’s science and technology park.
“Our goal is to create a space and facilities where knowledge-based companies can settle for a long time and use its amenities,” Ashouri said. He added that such spaces can be provided to MAPNA Group to support its affiliated startups.
A New Chapter for Domestic Industry
Majid Bahmani, Chairman of the Board at MAPNA Additive Manufacturing Company, described the launch as a new chapter for the country’s industry.
Bahmani explained that MAPNA successfully brought together key players in the additive manufacturing field. This network includes Noura Laye Negar Company, the first and only Iranian manufacturer of metal 3D printers. It also includes Roein Sazeh Hooshmand Compay, a leading domestic provider of 3D-printed industrial parts.
“Wherever MAPNA Group is present, it brings blessings and abundance,” Bahmani stated. He noted that MAPNA has successfully integrated machine manufacturing, part manufacturing, and operational capabilities within this new venture.
Bahmani emphasized that the IROST environment allows specialists to focus entirely on their work without business-related distractions.
He highlighted the rapid global growth of 3D printing, urging more national attention to this sector. “I am very optimistic that in the near future, we will be the main hub for the development of 3D printing technology in the region,” he added.
Mehdi Abtahi, Deputy for Research at the Ministry of Science, also expressed his satisfaction. He called additive manufacturing a strategic issue for the country.
Abtahi expressed hope that major national laboratories will increasingly serve industrial complexes outside the traditional university structure.
A National Hub for 3D Technology
Masoud Vatan-Ara, CEO of MAPNA Additive Manufacturing Company, detailed the company’s formation. He highlighted the inherent advantages of 3D printing, including reduced delivery times, efficient low-volume production, and high speed.
Vatan-Ara noted that the global market for this technology was projected to exceed 23 billion by 2025, with the energy sector accounting for 10% of that share.
He provided background on MAPNA’s early adoption of the technology. Two major MAPNA subsidiaries, MAPNA Turbine Engineering and Manufacturing Company (TUGA) and MAPNA Turbine Blade Engineering and Manufacturing Company (PARTO), entered the additive manufacturing field 10 years ago.
Both companies have been utilizing 3D-printed equipment and parts since 2016.
Vatan-Ara further explained the synergy between the specialized firms. Noura Laye Negar introduced its first 3D printer to the market in 2014.
Currently, operating under MAPNA Additive Manufacturing Company, it offers two single-laser printer models: the M120 and the M300, he added.
He announced that in September, the company will unveil a larger, more advanced four-laser machine branded as the Noura M450.
Recognizing the growing need for 3D printing, MAPNA Group purchased shares in both Noura Laye Negar and Roein Sazeh Hooshmand before establishing the unified MAPNA Additive Manufacturing Company.
“The vision of this new company in the country and in the region is to be a reference for providing 3D printing machines as well as parts made with this technology,” Vatan-Ara said.
He added that the method requires further specialized training as it is not yet fully recognized across all industries.
Highlighting the company’s output, Vatan-Ara reported that 37 machines have been sold to date. Furthermore, a significant number of parts made from various superalloys and titanium alloys have been manufactured for diverse industries.
Since its inception, Roein Sazeh has produced over 96 different types of parts, totaling 3,165 pieces for the turbine engine industry. It has also delivered 8 different part types, totaling 630 pieces, for the energy sector.
These impressive capabilities are now fully integrated into MAPNA Additive Manufacturing Company, added Vatan-Ara.
Following the official speeches, the guests toured the newly opened additive manufacturing workshop.
