National Metal and Materials Technology Center

From simple to complex manufacturing


Crucial for success in sustaining and propelling the dynamic growth of the economy is the strength and effectiveness of the country's technological infrastructure. A strong foundation in materials and related technologies becomes increasingly critical as the development proceeds, particularly in the manufacturing sector which now accounts for more than one quarter of the GNP and still growing. The National Metal and Materials Technology Center (MTEC) was established to provide such a foundation, as well as to strengthen and complement existing capabilities.

Technologies covered by MTEC are wide-ranging, from metal processing to advanced ceramic and polymeric materials development, from industry study and basic research to design and construction of equipment and machineries. Testing and characterization of materials and products as well as technical training and seminars are also included. Applied research and development work constitutes the bulk of the Center's activities.

MTEC, with its in-house capabilities and in collaboration with partners in various universities and R&D institutions as well as in industry, is able to provide technical and information services, from contract R&D and technical consulting to training personnel, especially for manufacturing enterprises. When fully developed, MTEC-as a national R&D organization-will play a significant rote in supporting and helping Thai industries to thrive amidst global competitive challenges, and to meet the everincreasingly sophisticated needs and stringent demands of the dynamic economy and open society.

To ensure industrial relevance and effectiveness of its operations, MTEC works closely with industrial and other end-users of technologies from concept formulation to execution and monitoring of projects, specialized R&D units within MTEC, and strategic alliances with other organizations, enable MTEC to focus its activities on specific technologies whilst maintaining a spectrum of interests. examples of specialized R&D units include: surface engineering, solidification processing, advanced ceramics, industrial polymers, CAD/CAM/CAE. Each individual unit further focuses its activities and performs a spectrum of R&D work in relevant areas in close collaboration with industry. Actual work might be carried out in-house, at network laboratories or in the factories, depending upon the nature of the project. Priorities are reviewed periodically on a continual basis.

Ion implantation Research Unit.

Examples of completed and on-going projects include: