DOST-MIRDC Launches the Mold Technology Support Center to Strengthen the Country's Local Manufacturing Capabilities
By Kai H. Negado
The Philippines, with its aim to strengthen its manufacturing sector, partnered with the Republic of Korea through an Official Development Assistance (ODA) to establish the Mold Technology Support Center (MTSC). As the recipient of the ODA, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), through the DOST-MIRDC and in partnership with the Korea Association of Machiney Industry (KOAMI), developed the MTSC to address the need for acquiring equipment and developing our local expertise in the die and mold industry.
From left to right: Mr Reynaldo D. Lignes Acting Director, BOI; Atty. Norma B. Tañag Zone Administrator CEZ; Mr. Kapseok Yoon, Vice President, KOAMI; Mr. Cheon Kyo Park, Director General of KIAT; Undersecretary Leah J. Buendia, DOST; Mr. Ahn Eung Soo, Secretary, Embassy of Korea; Engr. Robert O. Dizon, DOST-MIRDC Executive Director; Mr. Jaime L. Diaz Vice President, PDMA, Inc., during the ribbon-cutting of the MTSC on November 10, 2022.
Over a hundred people were present during the ceremony held on November 10, 2022. Partners from Korea who provided the MTSC with the much-needed equipment were in attendance, along with DOST Undersecretary for Research and Development Dr. Leah J. Buendia, local die and mold industry partners, and representatives from other government agencies who were part of the success of the establishment of the MTSC.
An official signing of the record of hand-over was also held during the event, which marks the beginning of the operation of the MTSC.
Mr. Cheon Kyo Park, Director General of KIAT and DOST Undersecretary for Research and Development, Leah J. Buendia during the signing of the Record of Hand-over.
The MTSC houses equipment which directly addresses the needed services for mold-related projects, these include top-of-the-line mold technologies and the most modern software that is now readily available to be used by the local die and mold industry. The MTSC does not stop there, it also provides training programs focused on die and mold-related technologies which aim to increase the capabilities of Filipinos and provide the knowledge and skills needed to improve human resources.
From left to right: Mr. Park Sungbae, Manager KOAMI; Engr. Robert O. Dizon, DOST-MIRDC Executive Director; Mr. Kapseok Yoon, Vice President, KOAMI; Mr. Hyung-Kyoon Ahn, Center Head, KOAMI; Dr. Agustin M. Fudolig, DOST-MIRDC Deputy Executive Director and Project Leader of MTSC; Mr. Woojae Jeon, Manager, KOAMI; and Ms. Yeojin Yoon, Assistant Manager. KOAMI, join the launching of the MTSC on November 10, 2022.
During his opening remarks, DOST-MIRDC Executive Director Robert O. Dizon thanked all the partners involved in the success of the project and congratulated their efforts in overcoming challenges especially those brought about by the pandemic, saying that because of their persistence, ‘the MTSC is now ready to operate to cater to the needs of the local die and mold industry.’
Undersecretary Buendia, who delivered the inspirational message on behalf of the DOST Secretary, stated that ‘the DOST is proud of what the MTSC project has already achieved,’ and that the Secretary is also confident that the center ‘will become one of the Department’s contributors in addressing the major challenges in the die and mold industry.’
Through the evident success of this ODA, the DOST-MIRDC envisions the MTSC as part of the DOST strategies of boosting the country’s local manufacturing capabilities through science, technology, and innovation.
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Date: November 22-24, 2022
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Additive Manufacturing Makes Waves in the Science Fair Held in General Santos City
By Zalda R. Gayahan
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‘3d printing is not here to replace conventional manufacturing processes…. It is here to complement,’ says Engr. Jose Bernardo L. Padaca III in his presentation for the Advanced Manufacturing Center (AMCen) during S&T Summit, held on October 12, 2022, as one of the highlights of the 2022 Regional Science and Technology Week celebration of the DOST XII (SOCCSKSARGEN).
Engr. Jose Bernardo L. Padaca III talks about the Advanced Manufacturing Center (AMCen) at the S&T Summit held during the 2022 Regional Science and Technology Week celebration of the Department of Science and Technology – Region XII
After two years of holding S&T activities online due to the effects of Covid-19, the 2022 RSTW of DOST XII is back and the entire DOST system is taking the opportunity to bring technologies and services face-to-face to as many stakeholders as possible, especially those in the regions.
Visitors of the DOST-MIRDC booth inquire about the technologies and services offered, specially of the agency’s newest facility, the Advanced Manufacturing Center (AMCen).
AMCen, as presented by Engr. Padaca, is the premier hub that develops next-generation manufacturing engineers. It is posed to be the country’s leading research center in the field of 3D printing, focused on enhancing capabilities in design, materials development from local sources, and testing and prototyping of products for additive manufacturing. As such, AMCen is fostering collaborative relationships among the government, industry, and academe.
Engr. Padaca presented the seven components of AMCen’s services.
With all these capabilities of AMCen, it has already implemented several research and development projects in partnership with the industry, academe, and other government agencies. Engr. Padaca cited as examples the following R&D projects: (1) development of a prototype casing for a transponder used for monitoring tuna catch and tracing fishing vessels; (2) development of a prototype improvised explosive device (IED) disruptor which disarms explosive devices, in effect hindering attempts of terrorists; (3) development of a prototype filter column for radiation-grafted absorbents for wastewater, which mitigates heavy metal contamination; (4) development of a lightweight observer Bluetooth emitter (LOBE) and embedded acoustic recognition sensor (EARS), both intended for devices for predictive maintenance; (5) development of a manufacturing strategy using 3D-printed parts to create patterns used in sand casting for the production of components for a local electric kick scooter; and (6) investigation into the suitability of acrylonitrile styrene acrylate (ASA) as a material for 3d-printed statue, which allowed the AMCen team to create the very first ever, and the tallest, monument of Dr. Jose P. Rizal, which now stands at the DOST Compound in Gen. Santos Ave., Bicutan, Taguig City.
‘Dr. Jose P. Rizal: The Filipino Scientist’ is the first and tallest 3d printed statue of the Philippine national hero. The 12.5-feet statue is made from acrylonitrile styrene acrylate (ASA), one of the research and development initiatives of the AMCen, under the DOST-Metals Industry Research and Development Center.'
Engr. Padaca made the talk even more interesting by enumerating the exciting applications of 3d printing, such as in hybrid manufacturing, architecture and transport, aerospace, automotive, and medical applications.
One might wonder where the AMCen is headed with all these capabilities and offerings. In his talk, Engr. Padaca revealed AMCen’s plans for the coming years. AMCen will focus on four key areas – manufacturing, medical, construction, and consumer goods.
In closing, Engr. Padaca informed the audience that AMCen will continue to engage in R&D to come up with solutions to the nation’s pressing concerns. AMCen, in the pursuit of its goal of being a national center of excellence for additive manufacturing, will proactively advocate the integration of AM technologies in the academe and the industry. Engr. Padaca stressed that AMCen will make its services available to everyone so that the advancement of Filipinos’ skills in additive manufacturing will greatly contribute to the country’s growth in the area of science, technology, and innovation.
KOREA AND PH PARTNERSHIP LAUNCHES THE MOLD TECHNOLOGY SUPPORT CENTER
by: KAI H. NEGADO
One way to strengthen the economy is to fortify a country’s manufacturing capabilities. This is the objective of the Mold Technology Support Center (MTSC), a facility established through the partnership between the Republic of Korea and the Philippine government.
The Department of Science and Technology (DOST), through the DOST-Metals Industry Research and Development (DOST-MIRDC), has been working towards building the MTSC since its Groundbreaking Ceremony in October 2019.
After three years and through the COVID-19 pandemic, the MTSC will be holding its launching and hand-over ceremonies on 10 November 2022 at Gen. Trias, Cavite.
Housed in the MTSC are equipment, tools, and various technologies for mold and mold-related requirements of the industry. The MTSC aims to help advance the country’s local die and mold companies, increase their productivity and become globally competitive, and contribute to the industrial cooperation between the Philippines and the Republic of Korea.
The MTSC is poised to be a premier training hub for mold technologies. A total of 118 trainings, attended by 6,036 of both local and foreign participants, have been conducted by the MTSC beginning August 2020. The MTSC trainee-graduates will make up the pool of talents that will fill in the requirements of local mold companies.
The MTSC will be instrumental in beefing up the local economy. Within the province of Cavite alone, there are over 200 companies that the MTSC will be able to provide its services to, while the country’s local die and mold products are projected to have a market size of Php4B.
Developed in cooperation with the Korea Institute for Advancement of Technology (KIAT), Korean Association of Machinery Industry (KOAMI), Machinery Industry shared Growth Promoting Foundation (MGF), Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) - Board of Investments (BOI), and the Philippine Die and Mold Association, Inc. (PDMA), the MTSC is envisioned to be the country’s leading facility to advance the human resource needed in the local die and mold industry, and to create products that will be commercially applied to mold-dependent manufacturing industries.
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.
