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January 2000 Issue 25 MITA(P) NO 049/05/99

Highlights6-7 Gintic Sharpens Competitive Edge Of Singapore’s

Aerospace Industry

9 Building A Component-Based Framework To FacilitateFactory Integration And Control

Gintic Is Poised For The New Era

H aving emerged fromthe regional economicrecession, Singapore

enters the new millennium withrenewed optimism and strength.The strong growth achieved lastyear by the manufacturing sectorwill continue unabated in theYear 2000.

As a national applied R&Dinstitute, Gintic Institute ofManufacturing Technology(Gintic), has significantly boosted thetechnological edge of local industries. Throughthe continuous generation and application ofadvanced manufacturing technology, the institutehas contributed considerably to thecompetitiveness of Singapore industries. Smalland medium-sized enterprises, promising localenterprises and multinational corporations havebenefited from the National TechnologyUpgrading Programmes, industry-wide initiatives,consortia and company-specific projects.

However, the manufacturing landscape andbusiness environment have changed significantlyin Singapore as well as globally. “Industries todayhave to grapple with lower profit margins, fastertime-to-market and an intensely competitivebusiness environment. In Singapore, the newgeneration of industries such as chemicals,pharmaceuticals and semiconductors, which havetaken root, are more sophisticated and capitalintensive. At the same time, the chain of

Having takenthe lead todevelopemergingtechnologies andcorecompetencies inanticipation ofindustry needs,the institute ispoised to take upthe challenges inthe newgenerationindustries

manufacturing activities,located in multiple sitesworldwide, is increasinglyglobalised and complex,” said DrFrans Carpay, Managing Directorof Gintic.

Gintic is poised to take up thechallenges in the new generationindustries which demandtechnologies encompassing IT,multimedia, communication,logistics, supply chain

management, semiconductor and high-endproduction equipment. Over the years, the institutehas developed emerging technologies and corecompetencies in anticipation of industry needs.Some of these are e-engineering communities,Internet-based Corba, Micro-Electro MechanicalSystems (MEMS), Intelligent Process Optimisationtoolkit and VEDIO methodologies for virtualequipment design. Where applicable, strategicalliances will be forged with relevant world-classpartners to develop other emerging areas oftechnology.

The institute has grown in the number, sizeand complexity of R&D projects, the types ofindustries served as well as manpower strength.“In anticipating the needs of future industries,we expect further growth to develop newtechnological requirements and to go intosufficient depth to be able to provide thenecessary high level support to the new eraindustries,” said Dr Carpay.

Dr Frans Carpay, Managing Director ofGintic Institute of ManufacturingTechnology

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I N D U S T R I A L A L L I A N C E

Boosting PerformanceWith Dynamic Tester Optimisation

And Scheduling System

G intic has successfully translated R&Dwork in a project for a semiconductortest manufacturing environment to

implement an integrated, discrete eventsimulation based tester optimisation systemwhich offers online and near real-time features.

Implemented in May 1999, the system arisingfrom this joint project with Infineon Technologies(Asia Pacific) Pte Ltd is expected to allow thecompany to optimise its delivery performance.

The expected impact of the system includeshighly accurate response to customer on ordercompletion and low cycle time, while reducingthe time invested in drawing up plant schedules.It will also allow for more predictable andrepeatable manufacturing performance andcapability to carry out “what if” analysis to planfor the future.

The system dynamically generates schedulesand reports at required frequency at anytimebased on the latest online operational status. Ittakes about 10 minutes to generate an

optimisation run. In each run, there are over3,000 decisions made, with each decisionconsidering in excess of 2000 alternatives for anoptimum choice to be made.

The pioneering system determines the optimumdispatch schedule for each IC tester, taking intoaccount relevant constraints, and optimising theconflicting needs of delivery accuracy, utilisationand cycle time. The system is on the leading edgeof technology particularly in the followingaspects:• Customised dispatching and optimisation

algorithms integrated with discrete eventsimulation that considers a variety of factors

• Real-time integration of manufacturing ITsystems, including shop-floor interfaces,manufacturing databases, engineeringdatabases and the dispatching engine

• Dynamic creation of the simulation model,eliminating the need for highly trainedspecialists

For details, please contact Dr A I Sivakumaron 793 8258 or e-mail: siva@gintic.gov.sg

The system is on the leading edge

of technology and will pave

the way for high delivery

accuracy and a shorter time in

drawing up plant schedules, with capability

for “what if” analysis

IC testing.. A technical challenge to schedule and optimise

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I N D U S T R I A L A L L I A N C E

GrindStar:A High Precision, Cost EffectiveCNC Profile Grinding System

A joint project with Gintic has led to alocal precision tool-and-die company,Sin Star Hou Engineering, enhancing its

competitiveness, thanks to the development ofa PC-based CNC profile grinding system, GrindStar.

The development of the system testifies to theinstitute’s capability to offer affordable, yet high-tech and high value-added solutions for localindustries. The system hardware costs less thana tenth of the cost of a conventional opticalprofile grinder. The high precision, cost effectiveprofile grinding system is affordable for mostsmall enterprises.

GrindStar is a 2+1 axis CNC profile grindingsystem developed for precision punch and diefinishing. It consists of a 3-axis CNC sliding table,a PC-based controller and profile grindingsoftware. Brushless DC servomotors drive thecompactly designed CNC table, which can bemounted onto a manually operated surfacegrinder. The PC-based CNC controller is housedin a 19-inch cabinet containing an industrial PC,the motion control card and amplifiers.

Aside from being Windows-based, the CNCprofile grinding software has a user-friendly man-machine interface and accepts standard G codesfrom a CAD/CAM system. The software dividesthree stages of the CNC table into two groups.The X and Y stages are controlled by the G codes,while the Z stage is controlled by a set of pre-setparameters including starting point, stroke andfeed rate.

There are three operation modes, namely,system set up, file management and operation.The machine mode includes functions to initialisethe system, set up limit switches and controlthe stages manually. The file management modeprovides functions, such as browse directories,CNC programme and parameter files, check errormessages and loading and unloading programmes.The operation mode controls the machiningprocess, featuring a user-defined coordinate thatcan be set up at a selected position and acompiler to check the structure, syntax andcommands of the CNC programme to be run. Inaddition, the tool path can be previewed from

different angles and zoomed in or out with themachining simulation function. When aprogramme is run, the tool path and machiningstatus are dynamically updated in the displaywindow.

To compensate lead screw error, an error-mapping algorithm was developed. A threedimensional error-mapping matrix was generated,based on the position error measured with a HPlaser interferometer. The CNC profile grindingsoftware can extract data from the error-mappingmatrix and calculate the amount of compensationrequired to a resolution of 0.001mm. With thisfunction, the position error of the CNC table isreduced from 0.014mm to 0.0015 mm. As thefeed rate is selected in a range of 0-10 metres/minutes, the system can produce fine grindingof 0.001-0.003 mm or rough grinding of 0.003-0.005 mm in a workshop environment.

Fo r d e t a i l s , p l e a s e c on t a c t D r L u L ion 793 8340 or e-mail: luli@gintic.gov.sg

The developmentof the systemtestifies to theinstitute’scapability tooffer affordable,yet high-techand high value-added solutionsfor localindustries

Calibration of the CNC profile grinding table with a laserinterferometer

Profile grinding of a sample with GrindStar

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I N D U S T R I A L A L L I A N C E

Strategic Alliance For New PrecisionJet Cutting Technology

T he Waterjet Technology Centre (WJTC) isworking with Hongguan Technologies todevelop the next generation of precision

abrasive waterjet cutting systems.

By introducing the latest cutting edge abrasivewaterjet technology directly into the marketthrough Hongguan’s equipment building andmarketing arm, end users can now take full andimmediate advantage of the benefits offered bythis new technology for a whole range of hithertountapped applications from electronics to surgery.

The abrasive waterjet technology is inherentlythree to five times more efficient thanconventional abrasive waterjets. It facilitatesfaster cutting to a higher quality at reducedcosts. The unique jet generation techniqueenables finer precision cut widths as small as0.1mm whilst providing higher cutting speedsat a superior quality and precision. Indeed,studies have shown that for the same inputpower, the new abrasive waterjet cuttingtechnology can cut up to five times faster thanconventional systems.

Without the slow cutting speeds of Electro-discharge maching, the clogging and highconsumable cost of Diamond saws or the heateffected zone of Lasers, the ability to generatesuch fine cut widths, with high precision, opensthe door to a wide range of new applicationsthat traditional abrasive waterjet cutting systemshave not been able to explore. The unique abilityof the system to recycle the abrasive used, furtherreduces the running costs to a fraction of thatexperienced with other precision cuttingtechnologies.

The strategic alliance between the WJTC andHongguan Technologies brings together the

WJTC’s waterjet experience and knowledge andHongguan’s equipment building capbilites andnetwork to develop a wide range of new abrasivewaterjet cutting systems from both specialist oneoff systems to conventional or multipleapplications. The partnership facilitates thedevelopment of a ‘complete’ solution tocustomer’s needs, providing a one-stop locationfor part handling, vision inspection, positioningand part processing as well as a comprehensivesupport network.

For details, please contact Dr Michael Gaddon 793 8491 or e-mail: mgadd@gintic.gov.sg

The partnership facilitates the

development ofa ‘complete’solution to

customer’s needs,providing a one-stop location for

part handling,vision, inspection,

positioning andpart processing

as well as acomprehensive

support network

Precision abrasive water-jet cutting system

An example of electronics sub-strates

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I N D U S T R I A L A L L I A N C E

Gintic Works With Local CompanyOn Product Data Management

Cost reduction and shorter developmenttime are major benefits from using aProduct Data Management (PDM) system,

an integration tool that can also improve thequality of products and services.

Early adopters like Boeing and Ford Motorturned to PDM to help control spiralling designcosts, manufacturing foul-ups caused by tardyengineering change orders and lengthy productdevelopment cycles. In recent years, morecompanies are implementing PDM systems as partof their enterprise-wide information managementsystem.

From planning through to implementation,Gintic has the capability to assist companies toadopt PDM solutions. Apart from being costly,implementing PDM means a significant cultureshift and is a long-term decision, which requirestop management commitment. To succeed, carefulplanning is crucial for any company taking thisroute, as a PDM solution has cross-functionalimplications. PDM works best in a re-engineeredenvironment and external consultants like Gintic,with one-stop in-house expertise, can fulfil a vitalrole.

Gintic recently worked with the research anddevelopment arm of Singapore TechnologiesAerospace, Engineering Development Centre (EDC)on a three-month feasibility study forimplementation of PDM systems. The positivefindings have led to the PDM vendor working onimplementation of this technology at EDC.

As an integration tool, PDM manages productdata throughout the enterprise, ensuring that theright information is available for the right personat the right time and in the right form. In thisway, PDM improves communication and

cooperation between diverse groups and formsthe basis for organisations to restructure theirproduct development processes and instituteinitiatives such as concurrent engineering andcollaborative product development.

Among others, PDM systems control product-related information including design geometry,engineering drawing, project plans, part files,assembly diagrams, product specifications,numerical control (NC) machine tool programmes,analysis results, correspondence and bills ofmaterials.

For details, please contact Mr Neo Aik Chianon 793 8374 or e-mail: acneo@gintic.gov.sg

Cost reduction,shorterdevelopmenttime as well asimproved qualityof product andservices arebenefits fromusing PDMsystems

Short product development cycle time through PDM

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I N D U S T R I A L A L L I A N C E

Gintic Sharpens Comp

R ecognising the importance of theaerospace industry, Gintic has beenactively spearheading R&D projects to

enhance the global competitiveness of thiscluster.

In addition to company specific projects, theR&D collaborations are in the form of the nationalAerospace Technology Upgrading Programme(ATP). Four of the nine R&D projects under theATP were awarded to the institute which wereundertaken with key aerospace maintenance andrepair companies, as well as the NanyangTechnological University and the NationalUniversity of Singapore.

The projects that were successfully completedunder the ATP are:

• SMART 3D grinding/polishing systemThis first-ever automated 3D polishing systemfor turbine airfoils exemplifies the cutting edgeapplications arising from the programme. For itsinnovativeness and contribution to the aerospaceindustry, the project team from Gintic, theNational University of Singapore and TurbineOverhaul Services was awarded the covetedNational Technology Award in 1999 by theNational Science and Technology Board. Itssignificance lies in the synergistic blending ofhardware, software and process solutions to meetthe stringent quality needs of the aerospacecluster. The system incorporates self-compliance,

multi-tasking, adaptive planning, reconfigurableand teaching-free characteristics.

• Automated honeycomb repair systemThis involved three projects carried out to achievequick turnaround time in the repair of honeycombsegments.– Automated honeycomb removal and polishing

systemA robotic system was developed for the grindingand polishing process for honeycomb andresidual removal. A vision system is used toinspect the surface texture and to ensure finaloutput quality.

– Automated spot welding and braze powdersystemThis intelligent material handling controlsystem transfers the honeycomb segment tothe spot welding machine and braze powderapplication where powder is accuratelydispersed over the entire spot welded segment.

– High speed grinding of honeycomb segmentsTo double overall repair volume, a high speedgrinding machine and fixture were developedto provide finish grinding of honeycombsegments.

• Automated aircraft wing surfaceinspection system

A robotic system was designed and built toautomate the inspection of hairline cracks onaircraft wings. This system dramatically reducesthe inspection time by automating what waspreviously a time-consuming process. It is guidedby multiple robotic sensors, vision, ultrasonicand touch, linked to a computer-controlledsystem.

• Complex profile waterjet trimmingsystem

This entailed the development of a complex profileabrasive waterjet trimming system to cutcomposite aircraft components of different shapesand sizes. Compared with the conventionalrouting method, this system improves productivitybetween 3 to 6 times and cuts component costby 50%. It is achieved through the waterjetsystem’s ability to perform highly accurate single-pass cutting of complex contours.

These successful R&D

collaborations demonstrate

Gintic’s strong capabilities to

propel the Singapore aerospace

industry to new heights of global competitiveness

Singapore’s

3D laser cutting for difficult-to-machine aerospace component was successfully applied

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I N D U S T R I A L A L L I A N C E

etitive Edge Of

In addition to these national projects, othersuccessful company-specific partnerships werealso completed, including:

– An intelligent computer-based schedulingsystem automating the planning of heattreatment operations. This system gives themultinational aerospace company the strategicadvantage of having a computer-based tool ableto take into account essential variablesconnected with the heat treatment process. Theclient-server configuration allows the companyto quickly plan the furnace loading andmaintenance schedules.

– An intelligent fuzzy controller to speed upheat treatment for the aircraft engine overhaulsector. It has the capability to take into accountthe load within a furnace, automating the heattreatment process. The fuzzy controller, whichsaves time by 20% to 25%, compared withexisting manual control, is designed for easyintegration into existing furnaces without anychanges.

– A product data management system for a localaerospace company. With this integration tool,the company is in a better position to managethe engineering data and engineering activitiesto enhance its competitive edge. Theavailability of accurate and up-to-dateengineering information will contribute toreducing product development costs and cycletimes.

– A plant layout and resource capacity studyfor a multinational aerospace company. The useof computer graphic 3D visualisation and walk-through technology provided the company withthe opportunity to preview its proposed newfacility. The findings helped the company todecide on an efficient plant layout, taking intoaccount its proprietary processes and fixtures,and placed it in better stead to provide moreaccurate estimates of its production capacities.

– Development of high speed grindingtechnology for thin aerospace components. Theprocess, using super abrasives, reduces cell

deformation to as low as 2%-5%. The metalremoval rate is 2.5 to 3 times more effectivethan the conventional process, such as electro-chemical machining, grinding using aluminium-oxide wheels and milling using special cutters,without affecting the surface finish,dimensional accuracy or generating materialstress to the component.

– 3D laser cutting for difficult-to-machineaerospace components was successfullyapplied. This reduces the time to implementperformance-enhancing modifications by 75%,extending the component life and creating lessmicrostructural damage.

– A compliance-controlled robotic polishingsystem, integrating an automatic inspectionsystem for aircraft canopy, was successfullydeveloped.

These successful R&D partnerships demonstrateGintic's strong capabilities in harnessingautomation, process and manufacturinginformation technologies to propel the Singaporeaerospace industry to new heights of globalcompetitiveness.

For details, please contact Mr Gan Chong Cheron 793 8365 or e-mail: ccgan@gintic.gov.sg

Aerospace Industry

The compliance-controlled robotic systemenhances aircraft canopy polishing

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Positive results show the

benefits arising from using

HSM technology on

materials of very high hardness

R E S E A R C H S P O T L I G H T

Sharing Expertise On The Use Of HighSpeed Milling For Very Hard Materials

The many benefits of High Speed Milling(HSM) are widely recognised by theprecision engineering industry. Through

in-house research and industrial alliances, Gintic’sresearchers have built competency and expertisein HSM technology for various work materials.These include Aluminium 6061, Copper, Stavax(~52 HRc) and SKD11 (~62 HRc).

The understanding of cutting tool materialsand geometries, parametric optimisation and CAMknowledge provide the foundation for theinstitute to advance in HSM research.

Gintic has successfully studied the machiningof High Speed Steel (HSS). Positive results showthat the benefits of using HSM technology onmaterials of very high hardness, for example, M2high speed steel with hardness of approximately64 HRc.

With the use of a two micro-grain end ballcarbide cutters, the researchers were able tomachine high hardness HSS to achieve goodsurface finish of Ra 0.06 µm.

An alternative process like Electro-DischargeMachining (EDM) results in subsurface defectssuch as heat affected zone, while the HSM methodproduces compressive stress which helps to

prolong the fatigue life of the die insert. Thisachievement minimises the need for skilledworkers and the time required to polish thecomponent in the final stage. The study results,shown in the table, demonstrate the cost savingsoffered by using HSM technology.

The institute is offering training in high speedmilling to industry as part of its TechnicalInfusion Programme (TIP). The course covers HSMtechnology, including fundamental principles,selection of cutters, coatings and CAM.

For details, please contact Dr Alex Thoe Teck Bengon 793 8571 or e-mail: tbthoe@gintic.gov.sg

TIME AND COST TO PRODUCE THE HSS FORGING DIE INSERT

Traditional Machining Methods Time (Hrs) High Speed Milling Time (Hrs)

Generating the EDM programme 1 Generating the NC programme 2Making Roughing & Finishing EDM 6 Direct HSM on HSS component 1.5electrodes Polishing 2EDM the component 5Polishing 3.5

TOTAL 15.5 TOTAL 5.5

HSM Total Time Saved vs. Traditional Machining Methods 10

Cost (S$) Cost (S$)EDM & machining cost (S$35/hr) 385 HSM machining cost (S$40/hr) 60Polishing (S$30/hr) 105 Polishing (S$30/hr) 60Cost of copper electrodes (S$70/pc) 140 Tooling cost 160

TOTAL 630 TOTAL 280

Total Cost Savings 350

HSM of HSS forgingdie insert (~64 HRc)

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R E S E A R C H S P O T L I G H T

F rom simple client-server models,distributed manufacturing systems haveevolved to operate across diverse

platforms, and interact over intranets and theInternet. As industry demands are dynamic, theunderlying manufacturing framework must havethe capability to be changed and scaled easilywith minimal disruption. The main trend todayis to use object oriented and event drivenmiddleware in distributed manufacturing systems.

One middleware technology being used, knownas Object Request Broker (ORB), managescommunication and data exchange betweenobjects, regardless of hardware platforms,programming languages and communicationprotocols.

ORBs provide the mechanism for objects – fromdifferent vendors - to communicate with eachother to facilitate the software developers’ taskin building distributed systems. ORB technologyserves three functions - interface definition,location and activation of remote objects, andcommunication between clients and objects.

Gintic is building a framework for factoryintegration and machine control, based onSEMATECH CIM Framework Specifications. Usingobject oriented and event driven middlewaretechnology, this component-based standard iswidely adopted. The framework will beimplemented using a de facto industry middlewarestandard, Common Object Request BrokersArchitecture (CORBA). It will provide a gatewayallowing DCOM components - another ORBtechnology - to be deployed.

Building A Component-BasedFramework To Facilitate FactoryIntegration And Control

The framework being developed is designed formanufacturers as well as machine tool andequipment builders, and provides three levels ofinterface - factory, cell and equipment.

Technically, the framework consists of threeparts:• A CORBA-based CIM platform/environment• A set of pluggable fundamental components

such as Recipe Management, AlarmManagement, Equipment Management, etc.

• Methodology and tools that facilitate thecomponent development and deployment

The components can be extended to meetunique requirements, other developers can buildcompletely new components by simplyincorporating Gintic’s framework into specificdesigns. By providing a clear template and guidefor these extensions and components, the productwill minimise future software development efforts.When a required component does not exist, itcan be created using a similar component as atemplate.

For details, please contact Dr Huang Guanbinon 793 8408 or e-mail: gbhuang@gintic.gov.sg

Gintic isbuilding aframework forfactoryintegration andmachine control,based onSEMATECHCIM FrameworkSpecifications

Common Service &Facilities

Event &Messaging

HistoryMgmt

WorkflowMgmt Time

FactoryAppl.

Planning/Scheduler

RecipeM

anagement

Material

Application

Machine

Control

Process Control

Other MES

Components

Area

Factor

OBJECT REQUEST BROKER (ORB)

Component Framework

CORBA-based framework for factory integration and control

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R E S E A R C H S P O T L I G H T

Producing Small Precision ComponentsUsing Vertical

Semi-Solid Forming Process

S emi-solid metal processing is rapidlydeveloping as an attractive near-net ornet-shaped component fabrication process

because it offers many advantages overconventional casting.

Currently, the technique entails the inductionheating of metal slugs to a semi-solid state andsubsequent casting using an advanced horizontalcold chamber die-casting machine. This processis normally applied to relatively large parts, suchas automotive components, as it is uneconomicalfor the production of small components whichoffer 20% to 40% part yield. To overcome thisproblem, Gintic has developed a new verticalsemi-solid forming process for the production ofsmall, geometrically complex, precision and highperformance components. After heating the metalslugs to a semi-solid state, small componentsare easily formed with the vertical hydraulic press.

This novel process is suitable for a wide rangeof small components - as light as a few grammes- including electronic and computer parts, leisureand recreational goods. The process offers a highmaterial to part yield of up to 70% and is easilyadaptable to different materials - from aluminium,zinc, magnesium and brass to metal composites.These benefits are just two of the manyadvantages of this vertical forming process. Thisprocess produces small and complex net and near-net shaped components with high integrity andprecision. It is also low in manufacturing costs,uses simple process control and press operation.

An actuator arm produced using the verticalsemi-solid forming process was found to havehigh integrity and stiffness, overcoming the

This novel process is

suitable for a wide range

of small components -

as light as a few grammes - including

electronic and computer parts,

leisure and recreational

goods

porosity and low stiffness problems often presentin conventional high pressure diecasting.

Gintic will extend this advanced technology tomagnesium alloys and will develop a compact andintegrated semi-solid forming system for the localindustry.

For details, please contact Dr Hu Banghongon 793 8581 or e-mail: bhu@gintic.gov.sg

Semi-solid forming of small and precision components inGintic

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P R O F I L E

oining Gintic four years ago, Dr Ma YongShengis encouraged that the institute's drive tofacilitate technology transfer in computer-

based product design and manufacturing is wellsupported by the Precision Engineering (PE)sector.

As Group Manager, Dr Ma spearheads a researchteam dedicated to developing computer-aidedtools to improve the competitiveness of theprecision engineering sector. The Computer-AidedProduct Technology (CAPT) group, he heads, ischarged with the mission to study, develop andtransfer design knowledge, design processes andmethodology to the sector.

Said Dr Ma: “The industry responded readily tomigrate from 2D to 3D technology which is astrategic initiative by the institute to move thesector up the technology ladder.”

“The institute is also well-placed to offerspecialised computer-based solutions formould making and sheet metal stamping,through software products like Quickmould andSMCAD. Quickmould is a 3D CAD software forcompanies producing plastic moulds, andSMCAD, is a feature-based software for sheetmetal dies.

“The challenge for our researchers is tounderstand their precise requirements andcustomise these strategic tools to their needs.The PE sector is only a start, we will be lookingat extending our R&D expertise to theconstruction, electronics and aerospaceindustries.”

He added that the engineering softwaredeveloped by Gintic is a first step towardscreating a new economic sector for Singapore.The institute is also working with Unigraphics

Solutions, a leading engineering softwarecompany on joint projects.

Whilst computer-based technology is crucialin offering strategic advantages, he feels the neworder in the business world calls for moreaggressive mindset to be adopted by Singaporecompanies. “Singapore industries should be moredaring to exploit technology, do things neverbeen done elsewhere,” he said. “They can counton R&D support from Gintic.”

Singaporeindustriesshould be moredaring to exploittechnology andthey can counton R&Dsupport fromGintic

Tap Technology And Change MindsetIn Response To New Order: Dr Ma

He said that companies should buildcommunities to exploit their combined strengths.Beyond OEM status, they could also aim toachieve ODM and OBM capabilities, that is, toachieve world standard for in-house design andbusiness capabilities.

After obtaining his Bachelor of Engineeringdegree from TsingHua University, Beijing, he wasawarded a Sino-British Friendship scholarship. Hecontinued his studies to obtain his Doctorate andMasters degrees from the University of ManchesterInstitute of Science and Technology. He was alecturer at Ngee Ann Polytechnic before joiningGintic in 1996.

Dr Ma YongSheng, Group Manager of Gintic’s Computer-AidedProduct Technology Group.

J

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Mr James Ling Advisor

Dr Javier Ibañez Guzmán Chairman

Mr Ganapathy Ramachandran Member

Ms Lee Swee Heng Member

Ms Tay Jiun Kheng Member

Ms Xie Hong Member

All articles contained herein are the views ofeach individual author and therefore do notnecessarily reflect Gintic’s opinion

c o m m i t t e e

A b o u t U sGintic Institute of Manufacturing Technology (Gintic) formed in 1993 is a national applied R&D institute funded by theNational Science & Technology Board. Its major tasks are to :• Perform and implement applied R&D in strategic processes and technologies to propel Singapore’s industrial

sector into the future.• Upgrade local-based industrial companies to be competitive.• Transfer applied research technologies to the local-based industrial community through training and transfer

of staff.No other R&D institute in Singapore is engaged in improving manufacturing technologies across the whole spectrum ofSingapore’s industrial sector. It provides industrial companies with R&D services in automation technology, manufacturinginformation technology and process technology.Gintic has completed over 500 projects for more than 350 companies, including multinationals, public listed companiesand small and medium enterprises.

Gintic Institute of Manufacturing Technology, 71 Nanyang Drive, Singapore 638075 ISSN 0217-8087

For business enquiries, please contact the Business Managers on: Tel: 793 8383 Fax: 791 6377 URL: http://www.gintic.gov.sg

D a t e E v e n t V e n u e O r g a n i s e r Contact

F o r t h c o m i n g E v e n t s

4 Apr - 9 May 2000 Technology Infusion Programme : Seminar Room, Gintic JiunAdvanced Welding Technologies & Level 1, Gintic Valley Block Tel: 793 8346Applications

19 Apr - 24 May 2000 Technology Infusion Programme: Seminar Room, Gintic JiunInjection Moulding Process Level 1, Gintic Valley Block Tel: 793 8346Optimisation & Control

20 Apr 2000 Joint Seminar on Auditorium, Gintic, Institute of ByeManufacturing Level 3, Gintic Tower Block Engineering Singapore & invitation only

Society of MechanicalEngineering

19 Apr 2000 Seminar on Compounding and Auditorium, Gintic SamBlending – Trends, Challenges and Level 3, Gintic Tower Block Tel: 793 8423Opportunities

P a s t E v e n t s

2 Nov 1999 Launch of Final Phase of 3D Ballroom 3, Level 2, Gintic, Hewlett-Packard,CAD/CAM Programme – Training in Hotel Inter-continental Unigraphics Solutions &Critical High-end Skills PSB

3 Dec 1999 Visit by SEARCC’99 Delegates Auditorium, Gintic &Level 3, Gintic Tower Block IDA

8 Dec 1999 Symposium on Advances in The Sheraton Towers Gintic &Packaging NTU

13 Jan 2000 Visit by EDB Overseas Centres’ Board Room, GinticDirectors Level 5, Gintic Tower Block

14 Jan 2000 Launch of e-Engineering Community Ball Room 4, Gintic, Oracle, SiemensThe Sheraton Towers Advanced Engineering,

Sun Microsystems &Temasek PolytechnicSupported by IDA

20 Jan 2000 Seminar on Developments in Auditorium, GinticCorrosion Testing and Prevention Level 3, Gintic Tower Blockfor Industrial Applications

25 Jan 2000 Seminar on Advanced Process Auditorium, GinticControl Technologies for Injection Level 3, Gintic Tower BlockMoulding

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N O TA B L E E V E N T S

Editorial