The industry is going digital: how 3D technologies are changing production in Karaganda

A startup is being developed in Karaganda, which uses 3D printing to produce spare parts for industrial equipment, ATM parts and medical operations. Additive technologies allow enterprises to repair equipment faster, reduce costs and dependence on imports. Digitalization is gradually becoming one of the factors of technological sustainability of the regional economy.

The Center for Additive Technologies was created by a company specializing in the production of rubber products. Here they can not only make a new part, but also upgrade a damaged one – even in the absence of drawings. The broken element is digitized and reverse engineering is applied, working with polymers, rubber and silicone.

– We are a kind of "ambulance" for industrial enterprises. If something goes wrong in production and it takes a long time to wait for a new spare part, we can quickly manufacture the necessary part or strengthen the old one," said the director of Transit LLP (Teleport 3D) Danil Rashchupkin.

The company has a laser installation, CNC machines and more than a dozen industrial 3D printers at its disposal. The equipment allows us to produce a wide range of components, from gears and seals to machinery parts.

Orders come from different industries. For example, experts have upgraded the filter for agricultural machinery, taking into account the climatic conditions of the region. The company also manufactures ATM accessories, including pressure rollers.

This shows that additive solutions go beyond a narrow industrial niche and form an intersectoral market.

The technology proved to be in demand in medicine as well: specialists helped dental surgeons prepare for a complex operation for a teenager by creating a 3D model of the jaw based on CT and MRI scans.

– We processed the medical data through our systems and created a template that was used during the operation. The work was difficult and very responsible," said Vladislav Shulaev, Head of the Additive Technologies Department.

The team has also developed a multilingual chatbot for 3D engineers. Nick's AI assistant helps specialists in working with additive technologies.

The company plans to increase production and expand the range of solutions, claiming to be one of the leaders in the 3D technology market in Kazakhstan.