Singapore: Underwriters Laboratories to Open Global Additive Manufacturing Center of Excellence

Singapore, one of the world’s largest and most sophisticated cities, is a bustling hub for commerce, finance–and if the goals of UL pan out–it will be the home of one of the most advanced 3D printing research and training centers in the world.

Certainly no stranger to the glories of high tech and everything progressive, Singapore does have a 3D printing and making community in place, and we’ve reported on a bevy of 3D printing centers, startups, and students busy making complex innovations with 3D printers in the technologically thriving city-state. The goal of Underwriters Laboratories is to see 3D printing transform manufacturing–and not just in Singapore, but globally.

UL is a global safety science organization that has turned its sights toward opening the Global Additive Manufacturing Center of Excellence in Singapore. The center will employ ten 3D printing ‘experts.’ Starting with an initial investment of S$8million (almost $6 million USD), it will present a uniquely new institution for Singapore, focusing on:

• Advanced curriculum in 3D printing
• Material and process validation programs
• Advisory services
• Industry research

The Singapore Economic Development Board is supporting the opening of the Center and UL will collaborate with other local research entities like the Singapore Centre for 3D Printing, as well as the Advanced Remanufacturing and Technology Centre.

“UL’s Global Additive Manufacturing Center of Excellence will play a catalytic role in helping our industrial companies strengthen their manufacturing competitiveness. This global center is also aligned with Singapore’s vision to be the advanced manufacturing hub of Asia that drives the development of disruptive technologies such as Additive Manufacturing and robotics,” said Lim Kok Kiang, Assistant Managing Director of EDB. “We are confident this new investment will add to the vibrancy of the Testing, Inspection and Certification (TIC) sector in Singapore.”

There are four goals that UL is reaching for with the opening of the center:

1. Training to speed up adoption and readiness of a strong AM workforce
2. Programs for 3D printing material and process qualification
3. Advisory services regarding production and part acceptance
4. Development of standards

“We are excited to help build the Singapore additive manufacturing ecosystem by contributing advanced training, validation programs, advisory services and research,” said Simin Zhou, Vice President of Digital Manufacturing Technologies at UL. “We anticipate this site will be the first step of several as we continue to expand into other 3D printing markets, bringing knowledge and best practices.”

For a company like UL, established over 120 years ago, to have their hands in the acceleration of 3D printing as well as research in standards and development, is a positive thing for both Singapore and the industry as a whole. UL has a reputation for quite simply, being experts in testing. They offer solid backing, support, and operate from a foundation of substantial experience in standards, compliance, manufacturing, and engineering.

As champions of progress, UL’s focus is on safety, as well as working with a variety of international businesses, partners, and regulatory agencies to contribute to “a more complex global supply chain” as they maintain their dedication to global trade.

Discuss this latest 3D printing news happening in Singapore in the Global Additive Manufacturing Center of Excellence forum thread over at 3DPB.com.