(January 6, 2016) A
research group led by Professor SHIRASE Keiichi of the Kobe University Graduate
School of Engineering has developed a prototype machine tool that can
manufacture metal components and operates like a 3D printer. The prototype was
exhibited at Emo Milano 2015, one of the three largest international machine
tool trade shows. This development could speed up the manufacture of
custom-made products such as dental implants and artificial bones, potentially
shortening production times and reducing costs.
The machine tool prototype is a product of Kobe University’s
ongoing research into intelligent machine tools. This is one of three Kobe
University projects in the category of “Innovative design and manufacturing
technologies” selected for the Strategic Innovation Promotion Program (SIP), a
project headed by the Japanese Cabinet Office’s Council for Science, Technology
and Innovation. In June 2015 Kobe University used funding from this program to
establish the 3D Smart Manufacturing Center, which will be used to pursue
interdisciplinary research and business-academia collaborations.