UAE firm Proto21 and MYATA restaurant break world record with largest 3D printed structure, supporting Dubai’s additive manufacturing vision.
Proto21 3D Printing LLC, in partnership with MYATA Platinum restaurant, set a Guinness World Record for the largest 3D printed structure by volume, measuring 13.75 cubic meters. The record was officially recognized on February 25, 2025, at MYATA Platinum Restaurant in Dubai.
“This world record is both a remarkable achievement for Proto21 and an important step in the evolution of 3D printing technology,” said Pir Arkam, CEO of Proto21. This award-winning work highlights the ability of 3D printed material to create intricate, continuous structures outside the capabilities of conventional building practices.
The record-breaking structure is part of MYATA restaurant, which spans 100 square meters and includes an entrance area, cave, and wall facades forming a unified design. The complete installation measures 15.73 meters in length and 6.78 meters in width, featuring an 8.6-meter staircase facade. The project incorporates 23 large 3D-printed elements including VIP rooms, counters, and exterior facades.
Inspired by canyon landscapes, each element was manually modeled using Blender software to create distinctive sedimentary patterns. “92% of the pieces are one-of-a-kind, which means almost no repeats. It’s not something you can achieve with traditional manufacturing,” Arkam noted.
The 3D printing process required Proto21’s printing farm of 150 FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling) machines working as a coordinated network. The entire project took over six months, with continuous 3D printing operations for three months. The facility utilized machines from Prusa, Bambu Labs, KING SLA machines, and a CARACOL Heron robotic arm.
In total, the project involved more than 21,700 individual parts produced across 158 3D printers, requiring over 160,000 hours of printing time and 10.2 tons of material. The massive material requirements forced suppliers to pause other orders to meet the project’s demands.
It is part of Dubai’s 3D Printing Strategy launched in 2016 by Sheikh Mohammed aimed at establishing the UAE as a global disruptive force in additive manufacturing by 2030. Proto21’s record-setting project illustrates this vision by showcasing the technology’s scalability for commercial applications.
This milestone arrives amid a burgeoning push for 3D printing for construction globally, with similar projects in the works in other areas. For instance, in South Africa, 3D concrete printing is also being used to combat a housing shortage by utilizing sustainable, affordable home construction methods.
