(from left) Mr Shum Chee Wai, Dr Herng Tun Seng, Assist Prof Huang Hen Wei (Project’s PI of SC3DP), Professor Paulo Bartolo (Executive Director, SC3DP), Mr Chew Chin Seong (Managing Director of Maha Asia), Ms Tan Seow Hoon (Founder of Maha Asia), Dr Ng Yean Thye (Project’s PI from Maha Asia), Mr Clarance Tan at the Project Agreement signing on 12 September 2024
Venturing into medical science with NTU
The Singapore Centre for 3D Printing (SC3DP) at Nanyang Technological University (NTU) has entered an exciting collaboration with Maha Asia, aimed at revolutionizing the manufacturing of micro-devices. This joint lab venture, titled "Feasibility Study for Scalability of PμSL (Projection Micro Stereolithography) for Next Generation Manufacturing of Micro Devices," officially signed an agreement on 12 September 2024.
BMF (Boston Micro Fabrication) Technology
- BMF specializes in ultra-high-resolution 3D printers that offer exceptional accuracy and precision, ideal for industries requiring micro-scale parts.
- 10μm Series 3D Printers
- These printers are capable of achieving 10-micron resolution, making them a leading choice for businesses and universities focused on producing detailed micro parts.
- The S240 3D printer, part of the 10μm series, stands out as an industrial-grade printer designed for large-scale production. It combines a large build volume with the ability to print using engineering-grade materials, addressing the needs of industrial manufacturing.
- Applications
- BMF’s technology is particularly suited for manufacturing the most intricate and precise micro parts, providing production-level quality that supports a wide range of industrial applications.
Collaboration Goals
- Objectives
- The collaboration aims to scale BMF technology to enable the mass production of highly precise micro-devices, overcoming barriers such as production speed and cost-efficiency.
- Industrial Impact
- Successful scaling of BMF technology could significantly improve the efficiency and accessibility of micro-device manufacturing across various industries.
Key Focus Areas
- People:
- The partnership will focus on educating and training individuals, including faculty members, PhD students, and industry professionals, to boost adoption and expertise in BMF technology.
- Workshops, seminars, and training sessions will be held to share knowledge and foster innovation in the field.
- Demonstration:
- NTU students will develop case studies and research projects, demonstrating the real-world applications and benefits of BMF technology.
- These case studies will be showcased at conferences, providing opportunities to present findings to a broader academic and industrial audience.
- Development:
- Both parties will work to optimize BMF technology, focusing on improving scalability, cost-efficiency, and material choices.
- External funding will be sought to support further research and technological advancements.
Study Goals
- Technical Evaluation: The feasibility study aims to assess the current technical capabilities of BMF technology and identify necessary improvements to enable large-scale implementation.
- Economic Viability: A cost-benefit analysis will be conducted to determine the financial feasibility of scaling BMF technology for mass production.
- Sectoral Exploration: The study will explore which industrial sectors could most benefit from adopting BMF technology for micro-device manufacturing.
Significance of the Partnership
- This collaboration between SC3DP and Maha Asia marks a critical advancement in additive manufacturing research.
- By addressing scalability and other challenges, the project has the potential to significantly transform the manufacturing of high-precision micro-devices, benefiting multiple industries.