DOST launches 3D printing research facilities

The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) has launched two 3D printing research facilities as it pursues an aggressive effort to promote the establishment of an additive manufacturing industry in the country.

The DOST broke ground for the Additive Manufacturing Center (AMCen) at the Metals Industry Research and Development Center in Bicutan, Taguig City and inaugurated the Additive Manufacturing Research Laboratory (AMREL) at Bataan Peninsula State University, a state-of-the-art 3D printing research facility equipped with the latest machines on additive manufacturing last March.

Enrico Paringit, DOST-Philippine Council for Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technology Research and Development (PCIEERD) executive director, said the two research labs would hopefully leapfrog the Philippines in additive manufacturing capability among its ASEAN neighbors.

“We are launching two centers for 3D printing research and development and we, in DOSTPCIEERD, are privileged to be part of this game-changing initiative. The additive manufacturing research industry will open the doors to previously unimaginable possibilities, and every single 3D-printed product will unfold more innovations. Soon, how we create things will be different from what we’re used to,” Paringit said.

3D printing, from small parts to big structures, will be used in aerospace, defense, biomedical, healthcare, printed electronics, agricultural machinery and automotive industries.

AMREL is the first additive manufacturing research laboratory in the Philippines and since July 2, 2018, has been utilized to conduct research for undergraduate and graduate theses. Professor John Ryan Dizon, project leader of AMREL, proudly shared these studies on the applications of 3D printing for defense applications and health care. He was also able to do technology demonstration with junior high school students of Bataan National High School who then successfully created a 3D printed drone.

“These are all blessings for all of us and for future generations,” Gregorio Rodis, president of BPSU said, expressing his gratitude as first recipient of a research laboratory that focuses on 3D research and development.

AMREL will be used for the following thrusts: development of new materials; testing and characterization of materials; faculty and student sharing and creating of ideas; rapid prototyping, tooling, and manufacturing; training, education, and empowerment; and designing and analysis of parts and systems.