CONSORTIA/COLLABORATIVE INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS

CIP on Process Development of Cabin Seat Modules and Components
SIMTech has helped SIAEC and four SMEs to upgrade their knowledge in design, simulation, and manufacturing of polymeric materials and transferred the technologies to them. As a result of this CIP, the four SMEs have developed their capabilities and have since been approved as SIAEC’s service providers which created the primary avenue for the SMEs to venture into the high-value add aviation industry business. This effort also capture value for Singapore as local SMEs are qualified suppliers.

CIP on Dental Crown Innovation
Seven dental labs joined this CIP to evaluate the feasibility of implementing low cost 3D stereo lithography to manufacture dental crown and bridge. They have evaluated the feasibility of applying 3D printing to replace the typical manual, skills and craftsmanship of the local dental lab. The project also demonstrated the production of zirconia crowns using SIMTech-developed resin to replace expensive CAD/CAM and milling processes. Some dental labs are in the process of adopting the 3D printing process.

CIP on Advance Machining Techniques
This CIP aims to improve the productivity and surface quality in precision machining via Quick Milling Vibration Solver (DynaCut) which helps to eliminate machining chatter and improve surface finishing of machined parts caused by vibration. 8 companies have adopted the technology and have experienced improvement in machining productivity of 30–50% through time, labour cost reduction, and improvement in surface quality of the machined part.

CIP on Item Management and Tracking System (IMTS)
IMTS were developed to track assets and stock taking and the CIP was launched in 2013. To date, 20 CIPs have been initiated and 106 companies have benefited from this technology. In 2015, 48 companies have deployed the technology and companies have reported productivity improvements of 20% to 90% for asset management and inventory stock-taking. One example is Ichiban Sushi which has  adopted and implemented the Supply Chain Track & Trace technology in 5 of their 24 outlets with  plans to roll out the technology to other  outlets.

CIP on Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE)
This CIP was launched to maximise machine effectiveness by conducting OEE assessment to pinpoint key losses, root causes and then find ways to improve productivity through procedure changes and advanced monitoring and control technologies. Key personnel were trained on shop floor OEE model and five key steps of OEE methodology. 20 companies involving 95 personnel participated in this programme have reported productivity improvements: tooling down time reduction 30–60%, machine idle time reduction 30-70%, rework and defects reduction 15–40%, machine breakdown reduction 15–40% and throughput improvement of 10–15%.