ITDI partners with Colegio de Muntinlupa to boost 3D printing

By Ma. Cristina Arayata

March 23, 2022, 7:28 pm

MANILA – The Industrial Technology Development Institute (ITDI) has partnered with Colegio de Muntinlupa (CDM) to boost the latter's 3D printing or additive manufacturing capability.

"This partnership is crucial because 3D printing is among the technologies under Industry 4.0. By sharing (the ITDI's) knowledge, CDM graduates will be ready for this technology, especially abroad," ITDI Director Anabelle Briones told the Philippine News Agency in an interview Wednesday.

She said the partnership was formalized through the signing of a memorandum of agreement (MOU) on Tuesday. Under the MOU, both parties will promote 3D printing technology or additive manufacturing by establishing the 3D Printing Hub at the CDM.

The partnership will also include training and research collaborations to equip the CDM with skills and experience to develop timely solutions through research and development (R&D) initiatives, design iterations, materials characterization, and rapid prototyping using the different additive manufacturing tools.

"We will share knowledge on 3D printing, including the standards in establishing and operating a 3D printing facility. ITDI's Materials Development (MATDEV) laboratory could do the processing of materials and testing needed for CDM's facility," Briones said.

The official added that guidance and mentoring will be provided for free.

Briones noted that many people, and not just CDM students, could benefit from this partnership. "Patients needing prosthetic would benefit since prosthetic products' size vary on every patient. Those who have a product concept will also benefit because they could design and make a prototype of the product fast (using 3D printing technology)," she said.

She also said that the CDM will be part of the MATDEV laboratory's network in promoting 3D technology.

"We are also talking to other schools for this initiative, so we could equip the students who will eventually join the workforce," Briones added.

Establishing a network of 3D printing facilities across the country would help products reach their destinations faster and reduce the need to import them since new products can be created using 3D printing technology, she said. (PNA)

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