The city of Querétaro, Mexico, has become the host of the first Additive Manufacturing Consortium (Conmad) in Latin America.
Launched in a bid to validate and explore viable 3D printing technology for production, the consortium brings together several leading institutions and industry partners.
Together, the selected partners expect to invest over $13 million to implement new additive manufacturing infrastructure in North-Central Mexico, and are committed to the design, manufacture, repair, characterization of 3D printed components.
Founder members of the Additive Manufacturing Consortium
The Conmad agreement was signed on July 30, 2018.
Cinvestav, Mexico’s National Center for Research and Advanced Studies, has committed to the consortium through joint collaboration projects between the universities it represents (including Unidad Guadalajara, Unidad Irapuato and Unidad Querétaro) and industry partners.
CIATEQ, as an Advanced Technology Center, will contribute to the development of “products, processes, systems and Human Resources Training” as per its mission.
And CIDESI, the Center for Engineering and Industrial Development, will also contribute to research and innovation. CIDESI has particular strengths in the development of commercial and industrial products, with ISO-9001:2008 quality certification, and AS-9100 C qualification in aerospace.
Coordinated by Conacyt
For each of the research institutions involved Conacyt, the government agency in charge of promoting activities in science and technology, is the common denominator. Conacyt acts as coordinator for the institutions, and provides funding for projects of interest.
Some other ongoing 3D printing projects funded by Conacyt include 3D printed filters designed to help provide drinking water to communities on the Pacific Coast of Mexico, and the production of optical fibers.
Signed by the government and GE
Other Querétaro government representatives pledged their commitment to Conmad. Key signatories include Francisco Domínguez Servien, the governor of Querétaro, and Marco Antonio del Prete the Minister of Sustainable Development.
GE has also declared its involvement in the project. Vlatko Vlatkovic, the director of GE in Querétaro signed the agreement.
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Featured image shows a panoramic view of Santiago de Querétaro city. Photo via Opisnet
