Businesses in Kazakhstan will be able to use 3D printing more widely to manufacture spare parts and equipment components, potentially reducing their reliance on foreign suppliers.
To support the development of domestic production, a new national standard has been approved and is scheduled to take effect Jan. 1, 2027, according to the Ministry of Trade.
The standard was developed by KazStandard. It establishes technical requirements for materials and finished products, as well as methods for quality testing and verification.
The standard focuses on industrial 3D printing, which allows manufacturers to produce components from metals, polymers and other materials using digital models.
How the new standard could benefit businesses
The standard is intended to encourage the adoption of 3D printing across several industries, including oil and gas, mining, energy, mechanical engineering and transportation.
For example, companies could manufacture specific spare parts directly at their production sites rather than waiting for shipments from abroad.
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According to the ministry, combining 3D printing with reverse engineering can, in some cases, shorten the time needed to manufacture or repair components from several months to just a few days.
This could be particularly valuable for remote mines, oil fields and industrial facilities, where equipment failures can result in extended downtime.
However, all 3D-printed components must undergo rigorous testing and meet applicable safety requirements before being used in industrial operations.
Kazakhstan considers a national repository of 3D models
Kazakhstan is also exploring the creation of a national repository of 3D models and technical data. The initiative is intended to support domestic manufacturing of critical industrial components.
Previously, Kursiv.media reported on challenges facing Kazakhstani manufacturers of industrial components, including Format Mach Company, a Pavlodar-based firm that produces railway parts for domestic use and export.
According to the company’s management, however, domestic railcar manufacturers continue to source similar spare parts from Russia and China.