In Unlocking Business Growth Through Manufacturing Innovation

A*STAR’s Advanced Remanufacturing and Technology Centre (ARTC) collaborated with Abrasive Engineering to develop innovative solutions that transforms the manufacturing processes of shot peening and sandblasting. This partnership showcases how A*STAR's research expertise helps businesses unlock growth and competitiveness.

The Challenge: Innovating Manufacturing Processes
Abrasive Engineering, a key player serving industries like aerospace, marine and medical, recognised the need to modernise traditional shot peening and sandblasting processes to enhance efficiency, quality and safety. Manual processes were labor-intensive, posed health risks and lacked precision. Abrasive Engineering sought to address these challenges through automation and advanced technologies.

The Solution: Jointly Developed Manufacturing Technologies

Through their joint lab partnership with ARTC from 2020 to 2023, Abrasive Engineering successfully co-developed:

• Two-in-One Machines: Patented technologies combining robotic shot peening and abrasive blasting, offering precise control and improved productivity.
• Automated Sandblasting Room: Featuring ceiling-mounted robots and advanced algorithms, this system delivers consistent, high quality blasting results while reducing health risks for operators.

Key technological breakthroughs include:

• Patented microwave and magnetic flow control systems for shot peening and sandblasting media.
• Automated systems that reduce processing time by 50% and save 75% in man-hours.
• Enhanced user interfaces and modular designs for better operability and serviceability.

The collaboration also included a partnership with a local robot programming startup, helping to further innovate and optimise the sandblasting room's automation capabilities.

The Impact: Transforming Manufacturing Operations

The collaboration has significantly impacted Abrasive Engineering's business and industry presence:

• Revenue Growth: Achieved significant revenue growth, with a substantial portion directly attributed to innovation developed through the joint lab partnership.
• Global Expansion: Successful deployment of technologies in China, India, Japan and Korea.
• Industry Leadership: Strengthened its position in sectors like aerospace, marine and precision engineering.

"R&D is not just important for large MNCs but also crucial for SMEs to stay nimble and relevant. By partnering with ARTC, we have been able to leverage their pool of PhD researchers and engineers to co-developed innovative solutions, enabling us to remain competitive in global markets," shared Tan Ser Hean, Managing Director of Abrasive Engineering.


A Milestone in Collaborative Innovation

This success story highlights the power of collaboration between SMEs and A*STAR's research institutes in solving real-world challenges and driving innovation.
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