The Grand Duchy has made further advancements in research activities and the implementation of 3D printing technology on the country's soil with a common roadmap for a research and development partnership between Luxembourg and Singapore.
Talks were started three months ago between the Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology (LIST), in close collaboration with Luxinnovation and the National Research Fund (FNR), and the Singapore Centre for 3D Printing (SC3DP) at Nanyang Technological University (NTU).
The high-level partnership aims to collate LIST's expertise in the field of advanced and processed materials and SC3DP's background as a world leader in additive manufacturing. Together, they will aim to develop a new generation of 3D printing technologies based on composite materials and multi-material hybrids, bringing about new products and enhancing Luxembourg's competitiveness to stimulate transformation of industries in the country and Europe.
Meeting at LIST's premises in Belvaux for a common work session on Tuesday 21 June 2016, the groups prepared a common roadmap underlining LIST's determination to contribute significantly to the set-up of a national centre for additive manufacturing in the Grand Duchy.
3D printing of composite polymer materials is still in its beginning phase but as already shown significant innovation potential in many economic sectors, with the core businesses of the aerospace, marine and offshore sectors, the biomedical and electronic sectors and the building and construction and manufacturing industries impacted by the development of such technology.
Luxembourg intends to invest in opportunities arising from the creation of new products and related services along with new markets and business models which could serve to enforce the competitiveness of the local and European industries.
The precise terms of the partnership will reportedly be fully defined and developed shortly, on the occasion of an upcoming Luxembourg visit on Singapore soil.