Jan 25, 2018 | By Benedict
Singapore Polytechnic, a research institute in Singapore, has received a grant of around $180,000 from the National Additive Manufacturing Innovation Cluster (NAMIC) in order to acquire a LightSPEE3D 3D printer and develop high-speed metal 3D printing technologies.
Based on supersonic deposition technology, the Australian-made LightSPEE3D 3D printer from additive newbie SPEE3D is making headlines around the world with its claim to being the fastest printer on the market. Chances are, however, that you’ve never seen one up close: the imposing additive manufacturing system has only reached a handful of customers so far and, until now, had not made it as far as Asia.
That will soon change, because Singapore Polytechnic, an institution of higher learning with around 16,000 students, is set to become the continent’s first owner of a LightSPEE3D machine. That’s largely thanks to a recent $180,000 grant awarded to the polytechnic by NAMIC, Singapore’s National Additive Manufacturing Innovation Cluster, which wants Singapore Poly to develop high-speed metal 3D printing technologies as part of the nation’s efforts to become a global additive manufacturing hub.
The NAMIC grant provides a year’s funding for exploring the potential of metal 3D printing at production speeds, with the new LightSPEE3D printer central to the polytechnic’s plans. Excitingly, the grant is the first case of translational research and development funding awarded to a Singaporean polytechnic in the field of metal additive manufacturing. With the way things are heading, it probably won’t be the last.
“Singapore is an ideal location to install the first LightSPEE3D printer in Asia,” commented Byron Kennedy, SPEE3D CEO, who hopes to use Singapore—a country with a relatively close proximity to Australia—as a hub for technology development, test-bedding, and market expansion. “Together with Singapore Polytechnic, ST Kinetics, and NAMIC, we can showcase to the world how high-speed 3D printing can revolutionize manufacturing.”
The high-speed 3D printer will complement other additive manufacturing technologies at Singapore Poly, including an AMTC gas atomization system, which can produce customized metal powders for stronger and cheaper metal parts.
NAMIC and Singapore Poly will continue their 3D printing relationship in other ways too. The two entities plan to jointly develop Continuing Education and Training courses for advanced manufacturing, with the courses set to launch later in 2018. These programs will also receive input from UL and Lloyd’s Register.
Since the launch of NAMIC in 2015, the cluster has provided funding for projects like developing 3D printing in the marine sector and researching 3D printed housing.
Posted in 3D Printing Service
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