DOST Premieres PhilCAM 2022, Convenes Stakeholders to Accelerate Philippine Manufacturing Industry through Additive Manufacturing
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“Allow us to help you turn ideas into reality and turn these realities into a productive and profitable business.”
This was Secretary Renato U. Solidum, Jr.’s affirmation of support on behalf of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), for the advancement of the Philippine manufacturing industry through its Advance Manufacturing Center (AMCen) during the first Philippine Conference on Additive Manufacturing (PhilCAM) 2022 held on September 29-30.
PH Additive Manufacturing Hub
Established through the partnership of the DOST-Metals Industry Research and Development Center (DOST-MIRDC) and the DOST-Industrial Technology Development Institute (DOST-ITDI), AMCen is one of the newest facilities under the DOST. DOST-MIRDC leads the Research on Advanced Prototyping for Product Innovation and Development using Additive Manufacturing Technologies for having the AMCen Fabrication and Prototyping Laboratory, while DOST-ITDI takes the lead for the Development of Multiple Materials Platform for Additive Manufacturing under the AMCen MatDev Laboratory.
The establishment of AMCen harnesses the possibilities of AM to improve the manufacturing process to benefit micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
Since its launch in 2021, AMCen has spearheaded product solutions and development for various sectors with its technical capabilities and trained engineers. Simultaneously, AMCen is building a pool of experts skilled in AM through the conduct of training and seminars for the industry and academe.
DOST, moreover, envisions AMCen being recognized as the leading science, technology, and innovation hub in the ASEAN region.
Growing with Counterparts
The allied government departments shared the significance of AM through its integration into their plans and programs, such as the National Economic and Development Authority’s (NEDA) Philippine Industrial Strategy and Plans on Additive Manufacturing; the Department of Trade and Industry’s (DTI) Manufacturing Roadmap and Innovation Strategy on Additive Manufacturing; the Department of Agriculture’s (DA) Philippine Agricultural Mechanization Program.
Industry Partners
The representatives from manufacturing, health and medical devices, defense and marine, and construction and architecture industries delivered their presentations about 3D printing applications and their importance to their respective fields.
Program Launchings
The activity also showcased three program launches for the progression of AM offerings in the country.
Two strands under the AMCen education formation scheme are introduced to increase the awareness of students in the AM field at a young age. First, the pilot testing of the National AM Curriculum for Senior High School STEM
Education which is currently offered at the University of the Philippines. The second strand is the development and implementation of AM-specialized courses for undergraduate and graduate degree programs with the help of higher education institutions (HEIs).
AMCen also launched its end-to-end digital transformation called the AMCen Integrated Online System (AIOS) platform accessible through the AMCen’s website, which will make the hub’s technologies and services conveniently available for clients nationwide.
Prospects of PH Additive Manufacturing
Dr. Rigoberto Advincula, a Balik Scientist and an AMCen steering committee member said, “A road map, if not executed or not traveled, is just a map.”
The crafted Philippine AM roadmap through the DOST-PCIEERD last 2021 was revisited, reviewed, and updated on Day 2 of the PhilCAM. This re-evaluation workshop involved attendees from key priority industries that include consumer goods, construction, health and medicine, manufacturing, and academe.
Establishment of Sectoral TWG
AMCen operates based on the guidance of its steering committee. The group deliberates, discusses, and plans how the center effectively attains its vision.
In line with the AMCen community expansion, a sectoral technical working group, composed of the key industry players, will be established once Phase 2 of the program is executed starting January 2023.
Tour at AMCen Facilities
The participants had the chance to visit the state-of-the-art 3D printing equipment housed at the AMCen Fabrication and Prototyping Lab and the Materials Development (MatDev) laboratory after each day’s program.
Reach Out to AMCen
AMCen encourages industries and academe to collaborate and be part of their ecosystem. Visit the websites and Facebook pages of DOST-MIRDC and AMCen to learn more about AMCen’s partnerships and activities.
Representatives from the industry, academe, and government supported the PhilCAM 2022 held on September 29-30, 2022, at the Titanium Auditorium of the DOST-MIRDC at Gen. Santos Ave., Bicutan, Taguig City.
