By Avijit Biswas
Bhagalpur: A state-of-the-art 3D Printing and Additive Technology training centre was recently inaugurated at Bhagalpur College of Engineering (BCE), a premier government technical institution of state. The newly established advanced training centre aims at strengthening technical education and promotion of industry readiness among youth.
The centre has been established under “Finishing School Porgramme” funded by ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, Government of India, supported by Department of Science, Technology and Technical Education, Government of Bihar.
The Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC), Kolkata is collaborating partner of the programme. The BCE, Bhagalpur is third such institution where the high-end training centre has been established. NIT, Patna and Darbhanga College of Engineering are other technical institutions of state that had been selected for establishment of similar advanced training centre.
Prof Om Prakash Roy, principal BCE who was chief guest at inaugural function, in his address on the occasion underlined importance of the newly established centre. He said 3D printing also known as additive manufacturing is one of the most transformative and disruptive technologies of 21st century.
Unlike subtractive manufacturing, 3D printing allows direct conversion of digital designs into physical objects, enhancing precision, waste reduction apart from cutting down production time and cost significantly, he added.
Prof Roy informed application of this technology is rapidly increasing in healthcare (e.g. prosthetics and implants), aerospace, automobile, defense, education and consumer sectors.
Taking into consideration growing demand of the technology at global level, there is urgent need of ensuring availability of skilled professionals in the domain particularly in developing countries like India, he stressed.
As per BCE authorities the training centre would offer hands on training and industry relevant exposure to engineering students, technical trainees, innovators and general people.
Participants in training programme will be provided training of digital designing, slicing software, rapid prototyping and 3D printing workflows. Bridging gap between academic knowledge and industrial application besides aligning skill of students with market needs would be primary objectives of the centre.
It is largely felt in academic circle of BCE the new training centre would contribute significantly in skill development by empowering youth with next generation manufacturing competencies.
Delivering vote of thanks on the occasion Prof Rishikesh Choudhury expressed gratitude towards Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, Government of India, C-DAC, Kolkata besides college administration, faculty members, organizing team members and students for cooperation extended in establishment of the centre.
Mr Asit Kumar Singh, chief investigator, C-DAC, Kolkata was guest of honour at the inaugural function. Senior faculty members present on the occasion included Prof Dipo Mahto, Prof Pushplata and Prof Kashinath Ram. The inaugural function was conducted by Dr Raj Anwit, head of BCE computer science department.
- Writer Avijit Biswas, former principal correspondent of Hindustan Times Bhagalpur bureau, can be contacted at biswasavijit@yahoo.comContact number (mobile): +919431095516
