Jun 20, 2017 | By Julia

With 3D printing frequently being hailed as the future of car manufacturing, a new Singapore-Thailand partnership is already planning ahead. Announced earlier today, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU Singapore) and Thai petrochemical giant PTT Global Chemical (PTTGC) have joined forces to develop advanced 3D printing materials for the next generation of the automotive industry.

The partnership will see NTU and PTTGC collaboratively aim to develop new materials that could be used to 3D print vehicle components. With goals that include improving fuel efficiency, reducing carbon dioxide emissions, and fostering sustainable growth, NTU and PTTGC are setting their sights on a bright future for the additive manufacturing of cars.

And considering the two institutions’ prestigious reputations—PTTGC is the largest petrochemical and refining company in Thailand; NTU is one of the world’s top-ranked tech universities—they stand a good chance of being able to shape such a future.

"This partnership is very timely, especially when many countries are developing advanced manufacturing technologies to make more complex components, yet with a greener carbon footprint,” said NTU Professor Lam Khin Yong. “With the combined expertise of NTU in translational research and innovation, and the industrial application experience of PTTGC, I am sure that together we will be able to achieve new technological innovations and scientific breakthroughs."

The two partners kicked off the new collaboration by signing a research collaboration detailing the research focus. Signing on behalf of PTTGC was Supattanapong Punmeechaow, the company's President & Chief Executive Officer. "Our company is leveraging its research and development competencies as one strategic arm for growth and sustainability," Punmeechaow said. "Thus, we collaborate with both domestic and international external partners to attain timely commercialization.”

Under national Thai policy, the country is rapidly moving towards an innovation-driven economy, Punmeechaow noted. And since PTTGC and NTU Singapore share mutual interests in this economic goal, synergy between the pair can create faster innovation.

PTTGC has certainly chosen a promising development partner in NTU. Recently, the Singapore university has built up considerable expertise in 3D printing, with a focus on industry-leaning partnerships in sectors such as aerospace and defence. NTU reps report that the research institution is increasingly finding more reliable ways of 3D printing aerospace parts, and is currently developing lightweight UAVs with electronics embedded inside. Additionally, Professor Chua Chee Kai, Executive Director of NTU's Singapore Centre for 3D Printing, holds the reputation of being one of the most cited scientists in the world for 3D printing.

NTU Singapore and PTTGC signed a Memorandum of Understanding today in Bangkok, Thailand.

Posted in 3D Printing Application

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