Singapore Polytechnic and ST Kinetics Launch Singapore's First Applied Materials Engineering Centre

28 Jun 2013

Singapore, 28 June 2013 – Singapore Polytechnic (SP) and Singapore Technologies Kinetics Ltd (ST Kinetics) launched Singapore’s first of its kind research centre on advanced materials today.  The $4 million Applied Materials Engineering Centre (AMEC), situated within SP, will spearhead applied materials innovation in the areas of advanced powder metallurgy and ceramic applications that are relevant to industries such as aerospace, automotive, maritime and offshore, and electronics.

Combining SP’s strong materials engineering knowledge and ST Kinetics’ experience in delivering smart engineering solutions, AMEC is equipped with two new state-of-the-art technologies – Gas Atomiser and Sparks Plasma Sintering (SPS) equipment to spearhead innovations in advanced powder metallurgy and ceramic applications.

Having one of the first Gas Atomiser plants in Southeast Asia gives AMEC the capability to produce metal-alloy powder that is one-tenth the diameter of human hair.  The atomised powders will meet the needs of many industries due to its wide range of applications.  These applications include corrosion and wear-resistant coating for aerospace, maritime and offshore applications; superalloys for aeronautical and structural applications; as well as development of hydrogen-air fuel cells for electrical generators, electronic devices and lightweight vehicles.

Adopting advanced processes to enhance the mechanical properties of ceramic powder, AMEC will utilise the SPS equipment to heat ceramic powder in minutes to reach a temperature of more than 2,000 degrees Celsius – high enough to melt steel into liquid form.  This advanced process will enhance materials’ wear and impact resistant properties: creating super-hard and lightweight advanced ceramic for next generation automotive applications, such as brake pads and ball bearings that are more durable than conventional metal ones, deepwater drilling bits and cost-and-energy efficient superconductors.

Advanced materials will also provide solutions to future communication satellites, reducing the satellites’ weight and cost while improving their efficiency.  The enhanced efficiency in satellite-to-satellite communication will mean that fewer satellites are needed to provide global coverage in areas of GPS (Global Position System) and communication.

Advanced ceramics recorded sales of US$2.5 billion in 2010 for the US market, projecting an increase to US$4 billion by 2016.^[1]   Demand for metal powders in the US is also projected to grow 6.2% annually to 1.4 billion pounds in 2015, valued at US$4.8 billion. ^[2] The joint collaboration will allow both SP and ST Kinetics to contribute to the growing market in the near future.

“AMEC will expose our staff and researchers to unique technologies, thus increasing their knowledge and awareness in the field of advanced materials technology.  We believe that the partnership with ST Kinetics will strengthen the polytechnic’s position as one of Singapore’s top engineering polytechnics that is able to contribute effectively to the industry.”

~ TAN Choon Shian, Principal & CEO, Singapore Polytechnic

“ST Kinetics is excited to partner Singapore Polytechnic in the research and development of applied materials technology.  The launch of AMEC today demonstrates our commitment to delivering smart engineering and innovative solutions to our myriad customers.”

~ SEW Chee Jhuen, President, ST Kinetics

[1] Source: BCC Research LLC (2011). Advanced Ceramics and Nanoceramics Powders.

[2] Source: The Freedonia Group (2011). Metal Powders – Industry Study with Forecasts for 2015 & 2020.

*****

Sew Chee Jhuen, President, ST Kinetics (second from right) presenting a token of appreciation to Applied Materials Engineering Centre (AMEC)’s Opening Guest-of-Honour Prof Quek Tong Boon, Chief Defence Scientist, Ministry of Defence (middle). With them are Mr Lance Lim, Chief Technology Officer, Singapore Polytechnic (first from left), Mr Lim Peng Hun, Deputy Principal (Technology and Industry), Singapore Polytechnic (second from left) and Dr Richard Kwok, Chairman, AMEC and Chief Technology Officer, ST Kinetics (first from right).

From left to right: Dr Richard Kwok, Chairman, Applied Materials Engineering Centre (AMEC) and Chief Technology Officer, ST Kinetics, Mr Sew Chee Jhuen, President, ST Kinetics, Prof Quek Tong Boon, Chief Defence Scientist, Ministry of Defence, Mr Lim Peng Hun, Deputy Principal (Technology and Industry), Singapore Polytechnic and Mr Lance Lim, Chief Technology Officer, Singapore Polytechnic, officially launched AMEC at Singapore Polytechnic today.

About Singapore Polytechnic (www.sp.edu.sg)

Established in 1954, Singapore Polytechnic (SP) is Singapore’s first polytechnic.  It has 10 schools that offer 49 full-time diploma courses for close to 16,000 students.  SP has adopted a proven creative teaching and learning framework and it offers students a holistic, authentic and industry-relevant curriculum, innovative and vibrant learning spaces, and enriching overseas programmes. 

The Polytechnic is committed to producing competent and versatile graduates, who are also imbued with sound values, so that they can be work ready, life ready and world-ready.  Among the network of more than 170,000 SP alumni are successful entrepreneurs, top executives in multinational and public-listed corporations, and well-known professionals across various industries and leaders in government.

SP is the first polytechnic to be awarded the President’s Award for the Environment in 2010 and the President's Social Service Award in 2011.

Follow us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/singaporepolytechnic or Twitter at http://twitter.com/SingaporePoly.

About ST Kinetics

ST Kinetics (Singapore Technologies Kinetics Ltd) is the land systems and specialty vehicles arm of Singapore Technologies Engineering Ltd.  It is one of Asia’s leading land systems and specialty vehicles companies, delivering smart engineering solutions since 1967 for the commercial, defence and homeland security markets.  With more than 7,000 employees worldwide and revenue of over S$1.5b in FY2012, ST Kinetics delivers products and solutions to end users in more than 40 countries around the world; helping to maintain the peace of nations and increasing the productivity of businesses involved in earthmoving, road construction and goods distribution.  Please visit www.stengg.com.

Media Contacts