New cluster makes 3D printing more accessible

A national cluster has been set up to help companies tap into 3D printing. Speaking at the launch of the National Additive Manufacturing Innovation Cluster (NAMIC), Ministry of Trade and Industry permanent secretary Loh Khum Yean noted that 3D printing has gone from being a prototyping tool to an essential technology that can raise manufacturing productivity. NAMIC comprises the research institutions of NTU, NUS and SUTD. A tie-up between NTU's Singapore Centre for 3D Printing and global inventions company Intellectual Ventures has produced a barcode for 3D printed products; with this, identifying data is embedded in the product during printing and can be scanned to verify the product's authenticity. Lead scientist Tran Anh Tuan, an assistant professor at the NTU Centre, said this identification is crucial as 3D printing expands into, for example, the health sciences industry.​

Media Report

• Straits Times Online, 24 Jan 2017