Thailand Toray Science Foundation (TTSF) held the 30th award and grant for science and technology research presentation ceremony on March 8, 2024 at The Athenee Hotel, Bangkok. National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA) acting through National Metal and Materials Technology Center (MTEC) received a Science and Technology Award for institutions with outstanding contributions in science and technology, while the winner of the institution category is Metal Injection Moulding Laboratory, MTEC. Dr. Anchalee Manonukul, Leader of Alloys and Manufacturing Research Team, Material Processing and Manufacturing Automation Research Group and her team received an award which was honoured by H.E. General Surayud Chulanont, President of the Privy Council, to preside over the ceremony, which marks 14 years of his honour to preside over the ceremony, along with Professor Dr. Yongyuth Yuthavong, the Chairman of TTSF and Mr. Akihiro Nikkaku, the Chairman of Toray Industries, Inc. attended this ceremony.
On this occasion, Dr. Somboon Sahasithiwat, NSTDA Executive Vice President, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Toemsak Srikhirin, MTEC Executive Director, Dr. Asira Fuongfuchat, MTEC Deputy Executive Director, Dr. Sarawut Lerspalungsanti, acting MTEC Deputy Executive Director together with Dr. Sumittra Charojrochkul, ENTEC Executive Director and Dr. Nuwong Chollacoop, Director of the Low Carbon Energy were joined in congratulating the research team who received this award.
Metal Injection Moulding Laboratory is dedicated to research and development on powder metallurgy to enhance the properties of fabricated components. This also includes innovations such as creating new alloys or improving the characteristics of manufactured parts, such as enhancing corrosion resistance. Additionally, the findings have been disseminated and transferred the technology to the Thai industries, aiming to elevate the manufacturing capabilities of Thai components to be competitive in the global market.
The powder metallurgy process involves the production of near-net-shape metal components, starting with material in powder form. This method offers advantages such as the ability to manufacture intricately shaped components with minimal material wastage. The research team and collaborators have continuously developed powder metallurgy since the establishment of the Metal Injection Moulding Laboratory. This effort has been ongoing, focusing on advanced shaping processes such as powder injection molding, metal foam production, and metal additive manufacturing processes.
Metal Injection Moulding Laboratory was established under the supervision of Dr. Anchalee Manonukul since the year 2004 with a budget support of 40 million Baht from the New and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO), Japan. It is the first and still the only fully integrated metal injection moulding technology demonstration factory in Thailand. The goal is to research and develop the powder metallurgy process according to research questions set by the industry, transferring technology to commercial production to increase the production capability of Thailand. The research team carried out 40 projects related to powder metallurgy, with a total value of 155 million baht, generating an economic impact of 3,012 million baht. There were 53 articles published in international journals and received various awards. The research team has continuously carried out research and development projects in collaboration with industry and government both domestically and internationally.
