The National Institute of Technology, Karnataka (NITK), the leading technological institution in Karnataka, having a 13th NIRF ranking in the country has proven its expertise in the area of 3D printing of lightweight composites.
A collaborative project of NITK with New York University (NYU) has received an International Research Experience for Students (IRES) grant from the United States National Science of Foundation (NSF). The Rs 2 crore grant is awarded for a period of three years to host six USA students at NITK for an internship each summer. Director of NITK, Professor K Umamaheshwar Rao said, “It is a great opportunity for the students of both the countries to explore new avenues in 3D printing with a focus on developing viable solutions for societal needs.” Dr Mrityunjay Doddamani (NITK) and Prof Nikhil Gupta (NYU) will direct this programme in their respective countries. This project aims to provide students a comprehensive experience of taking 3D printing research from the laboratory to industrial-scale realization.
This collaborative project includes NITK; NYU, New York, USA; New York City College of Technology (CityTech), USA; IIT Kanpur (IITK) and Aha 3D Innovations Pvt Ltd, Jaipur. Other team members as part of this project on 3D printing are Dr Gaffar Gailani(CityTech), Dr Jeyaraj Pitchaimani (NITK), Prof Anandhan Srinivasan (NITK), Prof Shakti Gupta (IITK) and Aakash (Aha 3D).
3D printing has the potential to change the manufacturing scenario substantially expressed Prof Shrikantha Rao, Head of Mechanical Engineering at NITK. Dr Mrityunjay Doddamani emphasized the need for such programmes that can provide technical as well as cultural exposure to the students of top universities around the world in laboratories in Indian institutions. The eight-week summer programme every year, which starts in 2021, will enable NITK students to interact with US students for research in NITK labs and provide opportunities for hands-on research, industry exposure and cultural interactions.
