Projects totalling S$55 million will develop innovations to strengthen Singapore’s aerospace and manufacturing sectors
[SINGAPORE] The Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*Star) on Friday (Oct 3) launched four joint research projects in aerospace and manufacturing.
Among the projects is the second phase of the S$34 million Smart Manufacturing Joint Lab, a previously established research collaboration among A*Star, UK aerospace engine manufacturer Rolls-Royce, and maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) provider Singapore Aero Engine Services (SAESL).
The other joint projects, which are new ones, are with Singapore small and medium enterprises (SMEs) Abrasive Engineering, Applied Total Control Treatment and Grand Venture Technology, worth a total S$21 million in joint investments.
Minister-in-charge of Energy and Science & Technology Tan See Leng said: “These new labs, backed by a combined investment of over S$55 million, show the strength of partnerships between the government, industry and research.”
Dr Tan, who is also the minister for manpower, added: “Advanced manufacturing has long been a cornerstone of our economy. Despite the global uncertainty, industries like aerospace and semiconductors continue to grow.
“To stay ahead, Singapore must double down on innovation in these growth sectors.”
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Minister of Manpower and Minister-in-charge of Energy and Science & Technology Dr Tan See Leng, with engineers from Singapore Aero Engine Services (SAESL) at the launch. PHOTO: DERRYN WONG, BT
Set up in 2017 for S$68 million, the Smart Manufacturing Joint Lab develops new approaches and technologies that will bolster Rolls-Royce’s manufacturing output and SAESL’s MRO services to meet increased global demand in aviation and aerospace.
The next phase of the project, which will last five years, will continue this work, exploring technologies that include additive manufacturing, new techniques for the production and inspection of aircraft engine fan blades, and increasing the adoption of automation and artificial intelligence (AI).
Research will be conducted in a combination of facilities belonging to A*Star, Rolls-Royce and SAESL.
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Neil Mantle, director of manufacturing engineering and materials at Rolls-Royce, said developments in the joint lab are expected to raise production of Rolls-Royce’s fan blades in Singapore by 30 per cent over the next few years.
A joint venture between SIA Engineering and Rolls-Royce, SAESL’s S$242 million expansion of its own facilities – announced in January – is expected to boost its MRO capacity by 40 per cent, and its annual capacity to 400 engines by 2028.
Chris Pattinson, CEO of SAESL, said: “(The joint lab) is not just a continuation of what we have done before, but a real catalyst of our transformation.
“It is an injection into the digital space, artificial intelligence, and how we better use digital data to drive productivity and efficiency savings. (It is) also about differentiating ourselves… it’s about investing in new technologies that don’t exist anywhere else in the world.”
A*Star said its researchers will also work with relevant Singapore SMEs on knowledge transfers and to deploy solutions to end-users such as Rolls-Royce and SAESL.
Beh Kian Teik, chief executive officer of A*Star, said: “Co-innovation and co-deployment partnerships like the Smart Manufacturing Joint Lab exemplify Singapore’s model of innovation, where global companies anchor high-value operations here and grow together with our local enterprises.
“This collaborative approach helps increase the output of MNCs, and creates unprecedented opportunities for our local SME partners to scale their capabilities and partner with MNCs.”
Working with Singapore SMEs
The other three joint research projects with three local SMEs will create new intellectual property, products and business opportunities for the SMEs, as well as jobs in sectors ranging from semiconductors to aerospace and life sciences.
One of the SMEs, Abrasive Engineering, specialises in surface treatments. This is the application of processes like sand blasting or shot-peening to change the properties of a material, such as to make them more durable.
It is the second such project between A*Star and Abrasive Engineering. The first created new product lines and enabled the company to expand to overseas markets in China, Japan and Europe.
The project with Applied Total Control Treatment will centre on high-performance coatings and surface treatments. The research will enable the company to offer higher-value solutions to customers in the semiconductor, aerospace and medical technology segments, among others.
A*Star’s work with Grand Venture Technology will explore the formulation of advanced ceramic materials, which are very durable and can withstand high heat and pressure.
The joint lab will enable the company to manufacture a range of high-value ceramic components and assemblies for life-science equipment makers and aerospace manufacturers.
