Sep 18, 2017 | By Tess
The Singapore Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*Star), Rolls-Royce, and Singapore Aero Engine Services Private Limited (SAESL) have signed a S$60 million ($44.6 million) agreement to establish a joint manufacturing laboratory dedicated to the development of new technologies for the aerospace industry.
Among the technologies to be explored at the Singapore-based facility are additive manufacturing, advanced robotics, and other automated solutions.
The lab, called the Smart Manufacturing Joint Lab, is part of a collaborative project that will last for at least five years between A*Star, British car manufacturer and engineering company Rolls-Royce, and aerospace company SAESL. The S$60 million initiative marks the first collaboration between the three parties.
Ultimately, the aim of the Smart Manufacturing Joint Lab will be to explore and develop next-generation solutions for aerospace manufacturing, as well as to enhance maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) processes. The facility will be focused on accelerating advanced 3D printing technologies, as well as other automation and digital-based processes.
Singapore is quickly becoming a hub for advanced manufacturing technologies and initiatives, largely thanks to innovative steps being taken by the city-state’s government as well as its universities and businesses.
In 2015, for instance, Singapore launched the National Additive Manufacturing Innovation Cluster (NAMIC) in an effort to support businesses in the adoption of 3D printing. As we reported earlier this year, the project has already proved successful, with over 400 companies joining the additive manufacturing cluster.
Even more recently, Singapore announced it would be putting S$18 million (about $13 million) into a new medical 3D printing facility called the National University of Singapore Centre for Additive Manufacturing (AM.NUS).
Ian Davis, chairman at Rolls-Royce, commented on his company’s new project, saying: "Singapore, as demonstrated by its Future of Manufacturing initiative, is continually transforming, able, and inventive. That is why Singapore is a compelling partner to work with."
A*Star chairman Lim Chuan Poh echoed the excitement about the project. “Our Future of Manufacturing strategy involves bringing together ideas, resources, people and companies along the innovation value-chain from MNCs to SMEs on a synergistic platform to co-create and co-develop to benefit Singapore's future economy,” he said.
In Singapore, the manufacturing sector reportedly accounted for 20 per cent of the nation’s GDP in 2016, and was responsible for employing 14 per cent of Singapore’s whole workforce. Considering these numbers, it is not surprising that the country is so invested in advancing its manufacturing industry.
Posted in 3D Printer Company
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