April 9, 2014
The Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST), Taiwan announced today a 3D printing development program is scheduled to kick off in May to tap the fast-growing 3D printing industry.
Under the three-year program initiated by the MOST, the ministry will spend about NT$70 million (US$2.33 million) each year in research and development of 3D printing technology and its applications.
The MOST said additive manufacturing technology are currently facing challenges such as limited build volume, poor production efficiency and unsatisfactory print quality.
For the first year of the program, the MOST said, the ministry will push for efforts to cultivate talent in both the academic and industrial arenas, in a bid to bridge the gap between the local development and international progress in the 3D printing business.
In early March 2014, Taiwan's new Minister of Science and Technology Chang San-Cheng proposed to increase access to 3D printing for high school students, Premier Jiang Yi-huah gave immediate approval. Jiang asked the Ministry of Science and Technology to draft a plan and come up with funding within two months, so that all the nation's high school and vocational students can have access to the devices.
The three-year program is also aimed at encouraging the collaboration of academic and industrial sectors to set up a strategic alliance to work together in the 3D printing development.
The ministry said the program will assign part of its budget to develop metal molds, 3D printing for digital dentistry, as well as innovative laser heads and print heads.
"We hope Taiwan could take advantage of its leading technology in ICT to develop our own 3D modeling software, and combine cloud technology with 3D printing development, which could further strengthen the innovation of local 3D printing industry." The ministry said.
Posted in 3D Printing Technology
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