NTU Singapore and ARBURG collaborate in 3D pallet-based polymer research

 

Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU Singapore) and ARBURG Singapore have entered into a joint innovation research partnership, collaborating to advance research in 3D pallet-based polymer technology. 

A Master Research Collaboration agreement was signed on 13 June 2022, represented by NTU Associate Vice President – Strategy and Partnerships Prof Lam Kwok Yan and ARBURG ASEAN Managing Director Mr David Chan, witnessed by Singapore Centre for 3D Printing Executive Director Prof Paulo Bartolo and ARBURG’s Manager for Additive Manufacturing, Ms Lim Wei Yen.

The research involves feasibility study for pellet-based material jetting.  Polymeric pellet-based additive manufacturing (AM) is emerging as a new technological trend in global polymer products prototyping and manufacturing. Conventionally, polymeric pellets must be converted to spools of filaments before additive manufacturing, incurring additional cost. The direct use of pellets as feed material saves cost. In addition, it is easier to use pellets to explore new materials for additive manufacturing, as filaments may buckle and fail due to lack of printability. Therefore, it is an interest from both industry and academia to use pellets for prototyping and manufacturing purposes.

NTU Prof Lam said: “NTU has a long track record of industry collaboration to turn research into commercially viable solutions. Given our deep expertise in 3D printing, engineering and material science, we are glad to combine our efforts with ARBURG Singapore to push the frontiers of both Additive Manufacturing and Sustainability. These are key areas of importance to the University as part of its NTU 2025 Strategic Plan.”

Mr Chan said, “This collaboration gave ARBURG access to one of the world’s best experts in research and technology in additive manufacturing. Our primary goal through this partnership is to work towards a long-term vision to develop a self-sustainable ecosystem of Additive Manufacturing (AM) in Singapore”.

 “With this partnership between SC3DP and ARBURG, we hope to leverage on each other’s expertise and form a close synergy to advance additive manufacturing technology beyond its current limitations and to conduct innovative and high-quality research in the area of pellet-based material jetting additive manufacturing,” said Prof Bartolo.

Ranked amongst the world’s top universities, NTU is renowned for its research-intensive interdisciplinary approach in developing innovative solutions for industry and society.  ARBURG is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of high-end injection moulding machines for plastics processing.