JOHOR BAHRU, 15 July 2018 – The working paper titled “Integration and fabrication of the cheap ceramic membrane through 3D printing technology” written by researchers from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) Centre for Low Carbon Transport or LoCARtic, School of Mechanical Engineering have recently been awarded the first prize in the 3D Printing Grand Challenge organized by Elsevier Publisher.
The award comes with USD15, 000.00 prize money and certificates. The paper was also published in the Materials Today Communications under the Elsevier journal Materials Today.
The UTM researchers who worked on the paper are Mr. Lim Chin Hwa – a UTM Master’s graduate, Dr. Uday M. Basheer Al-Naib, Dato’ Prof. Ir. Dr. Alias Mohd. Noor and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Srithar Rajoo – from UTM LoCARtic, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Norhayati Ahmad and Dr. Khidzir Zakaria – from the School of Mechanical Engineering.
The Elsevier 3D Printing Grand Challenge aims to support innovative ideas and solutions using additive manufacturing technology to advance healthcare, education, clean water, food, energy, transportation, and heavy manufacturing while protecting our natural environment and human well-being.
This competition was open to individuals or organizations from academia and industry from all countries. Projects were submitted from any field where additive manufacturing / 3D printing techniques are applicable, and the papers were reviewed by a Panel of Judges.
Team leader, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Srithar Rajoo said that the research conducted by the UTM team was successful in developing a ceramic membrane for water filtration with 3D printing technology.
“The research was compatible with 3D printing process and this will accelerate the development of 3D printing methods from prototyping to use very cheap materials in manufacturing as well as to enhance the opportunity for timely entry into the commercial marketplace.
“UTM research team has further concluded that the 3D printing technology provides an alternative way to produce an efficient ceramic membrane for water filtration. They are capable to manufacture the membrane without the need of tooling and machining,” said Dr. Srithar.
The 3D printed ceramic membranes are functional, economical and sustainable, providing a commercial value due to its low cost and ability to comply with the strict regulations for water pollution control.
UTM has a strong background in the 3D printing research. As such, in 2017 the School of Mechanical Engineering was assigned to support the UTM 4.0 in teaching by utilizing the 3D printing technology in various areas of teaching and research activities.
This award is one of the achievements for UTM researchers moving in the right direction to become leaders in their areas.
