US-based Emerson launches 3D-printing centre in S’pore

SINGAPORE — Singapore’s high-end manufacturing sector will receive a boost with the opening of state-of-the-art facilities at US-based Emerson’s new global additive manufacturing (AM) centre in Pandan Crescent.

The new centre uses advanced industrial three-dimensional (3D) printing capabilities to produce special customised and application-specific parts and products which are impossible to manufacture with traditional technology.

The Singapore location is Emerson’s second worldwide development hub with AM capabilities, which makes 3D objects from a digital model.

“AM has come a long way from a technology that was initially used for prototyping,” said Dr Koh Poh Koon, Minister of State for the Ministry of National Development and Ministry of Trade and Industry, at the launch of the research and production centre yesterday.

Citing data from technology consultants Wohlers Associates, Dr Koh noted that the global AM industry grew by 26 per cent between 2014 and 2015, to over US$5.1 billion (S$7.1 billion).

“The Committee on the Future Economy has identified advanced manufacturing as one of the key growth areas,” said Dr Koh.

He added that “Singapore has to continue to invest in advanced manufacturing technologies, in line with the changing complexion of manufacturing”.

Also at the launch were Mr David Farr, chairman and CEO of Emerson, and officials from the Economic Development Board (EDB) of Singapore and Nanyang Technological University (NTU).

Emerson’s local operations employ over 1,500 people in manufacturing, research and development, and supply chain management.

The centre will create new skilled jobs, the company said in a statement.

Under the Research, Innovation and Enterprise 2020 plan, the Singapore Government has set aside S$3.2 billion for advanced manufacturing and engineering.

This will involve investment in cross-cutting technologies such as additive manufacturing, robotics and automation, digital manufacturing as well as advanced materials, he added.

EDB Singapore yesterday released industrial production figures for the month of February, which indicated year-on-year increase in manufacturing output of 12.6 percent.

Output of the precision engineering cluster expanded 26.2 per cent year-on-year for the month.

On Wednesday, Dr Koh attended a tour of the model factory developed by the Agency of Science, Technology and Research (A*Star) at the Singapore Institute for Manufacturing Technology (SIMTech), which will provide an environment for companies to experience and learn about advanced manufacturing technologies.

Emerson is also entering a five-year research collaboration agreement with NTU, which will see the development of a joint laboratory to co-develop technology and train talent in the control valve industry.

Emerson will sponsor postdoctoral candidates Mr Brian Lee and Mr Huang De Jun to further their PhD studies in AM at NTU through the Industrial Postgraduate Programme.