The recent celebration of the Metals and Engineering Week wheeled-in two new automotive-related service centers by the Metals Industry Research and Development Center (MIRDC) of the Department of Science and Technology. Called the Finite Element Analysis Design Center and the Die and Mold Solution Center, the facilities are among the transportation solutions initiated by DOST to help accelerate the country’s transportation industry.
According to DOST-MIRDC, the automotive centers are now being developed at the DOST Complex in Taguig City, and will be fully implemented by next year.
“Our advanced transport solutions are not exactly rocket science as, when one looks closely, they are actually straightforward engineering and metalworking applications. We want to overcome the thought barrier that Filipinos cannot produce this [kind of transportation], as we have the capabilities and know-how to [perfect] them,” said Secretary Montejo.
The
Finite Element Analysis Design Center will serve as the government’s main laboratory for the upgrading of customized local road vehicles (CLRVs) such as
tricycles, jeepneys, and mini buses, through testing, safety and structural design improvement. The center also aims to address environmental safety aspect of CLRV’s as well as develop expertise in finite element analysis or FEA, which refers to the modeling of products and systems in a virtual environment, for the purpose of finding and solving potential or existing structural or performance issues.
Meanwhile, the
Die and Mold Solution Center aims to sustain local manpower in die and mold manufacturing and design by providing continual training. With these objectives combined with the advanced facilities and technologies housed inside, the center is expected to augment the productivity of the tool and die industry and make the Philippines establish a stronger footing in the global scene. At present, Japan, China, and South Korea are global leaders in the tool and die manufacturing sector.