In support of Swiss industry, the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL) and CSEM have joined forces to create the Micromanufacturing Science & Engineering Center (M2C) – a new focal point for pure research, technology transfer, and everything in between.
The M2C, which focuses on high-precision 3D microfabrication, will cover every step of the development process – from pure research at EPFL laboratories to the transfer of sustainable, high-value-added technologies to industry, under the guidance of CSEM. The new center will catalyze collaboration between academic, institutional, and industrial partners, as well as serve as an education and training platform for members and users.
“3D fabrication methods are raising the bar for precision and digitization,” said Bruno Studach, the operational director of advanced manufacturing at EPFL. “These groundbreaking techniques are shifting the industrial landscape, taking us toward a future in which objects and computers are increasingly connected. Investing in these rapidly evolving fields is vital if we are to stay ahead of the global competition and remain at the forefront of innovation. The M2C was created with precisely these challenges in mind.”
Using 3D printing technology, a single machine can build a seemingly infinite number of fundamentally different objects. The scientists and engineers at the M2C will explore ways to capitalize on new materials and production systems through design, development, and testing.
Thanks to their distinctive characteristics, 3D printed parts appeal to sectors and industries as diverse as space exploration, custom prosthetics, microfluidic devices, and watchmaking – to name a few. Moreover, because sensors and other technologies can be built directly into these components, they open the door to the collection of varied and precise data sets for applications such as predictive maintenance and complex system monitoring.
The M2C team will develop solutions for systems and components on scales ranging from a few microns to several dozen centimeters. The center’s work aligns with the advanced manufacturing strategic focus area of the ETH Domain.
“This multidisciplinary alliance will allow EPFL and CSEM labs to share cutting-edge facilities and work together to fast-track the adoption of new manufacturing technologies,” said Olha Sereda, the group leader in additive manufacturing at CSEM. “That means Swiss manufacturers will keep pushing the boundaries of innovation and stay competitive on the global stage.”
741 unique polymer AM companies individually surveyed and studied. Core polymer AM market generated $4.6 billion…
Your email address will not be published.
We use cookies to give you the best online experience and for ads personalisation. By agreeing you accept the use of cookies in accordance with our cookie policy.
When you visit any web site, it may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. Control your personal Cookie Services here.
STAY AHEAD
OF THE CURVE
Join industry leaders and receive the latest insights on what really matters in AM!
This information will never be shared with 3rd parties
I’ve read and accept the privacy policy.*
WELCOME ON BOARD!