The NTU Additive Manufacturing Centre (NAMC), supported by Singapore's Economic Development Board (EDB), will have the latest 3D printing machines, including laser-aided machines for building metal parts and objects for industry.
The 300m2 centre, will work closely with the manufacturing industry on R&D projects to develop new materials, software and processes leading to commercial applications.
"Due to its ability to address volatile industrial demands and because it can adapt easily with evolving technological trends, additive manufacturing is the optimal choice of technology in today's knowledge-based economy. The NTU Additive Manufacturing Centre will be keeping Singapore at the forefront of 3D printing technology, developing capabilities not yet available elsewhere in the world,” said Professor Chua Chee Kai, chair of NTU's School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering who will also be the director of the new centre.
"The NTU Additive Manufacturing Centre builds on NTU's strong R&D capabilities to grow a competitive additive manufacturing industry in Singapore,” said Julian Ho, assistant managing director, Economic Development Board. “By training students and collaborating with industry on R&D, we hope the centre will enable companies in Singapore to take advantage of this exciting technology as they develop better products. In the longer term, we see additive manufacturing as one of the disruptive technologies which will ensure that our manufacturing industry remains globally competitive."
Advanced manufacturing technologies have been identified as a new growth opportunity for Singapore's manufacturing sector, which is a key growth driver, accounting for 22% of the country's gross domestic product. Recently, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong announced that EDB will set aside US$500 million over the next five years to support a future of manufacturing plan that will develop new technologies such as 3D printing.
In addition, NTU will be introducing a new programme specialisation in additive manufacturing in the current master's degree programmes on precision engineering, mechanical engineering and manufacturing systems and engineering, at the School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering.
