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DUBAI, 17 December 2021 – The world’s smallest 3D-printed replica of the Great Mosque in Makkah, made by Czech company IQS nano, is now on exhibit at the Czech Republic Pavilion.
Al-Masjid Al-record-breaking Haram’s gold-plated model is 820 micrometers by 643 micrometers by 135 micrometers thick – the thickness of a sewing needle. A millimeter is made up of 1,000 micrometers.
The silicon model was created using three-dimensional nano printing based on two-photon lithography, a 3D printing technique for creating microscopic structures with fine details.
The model is a 1:600,000 scale replica of the real-life Great Mosque, and it is covered in a 100 nanometre-thin layer of gold. One micrometer is made up of 1,000 nanometres.
The model is limited to only 10 pieces.
Milan Matějka, Chief Executive Officer, IQS nano, said: “Our goal is to be one of the first in the world to use 3D nano printing on an industrial scale. Although we have followed a more difficult route by developing and building our own equipment, it has given us unique knowledge in constructing and operating this type of technology, and most importantly, the expertise to keep improving it. Developed progressively in cooperation with the Academy of Sciences and ELTEK Ltd, the equipment and technology allow precision printing of spatial objects with dimensions in the micro and nanodomains.”
Until January 31, the 3D replica of Makkah’s Great Mosque will be on display.
