The National Science and Technology Council (NSTC) actively promotes cutting-edge technological research, which hinges upon scientific instruments and talent. The National Applied Research Laboratories (NARLabs) Taiwan Instrument Research Institute (TIRI) has carried out NSTC policy to establish a integrated cross-discipline instrument S&T research service platform. TIRI has cooperated with universities to form close partnerships that have developed forward-looking research in a variety of fields while conducting experiments on necessary specialized instruments and equipment. In addition, these partnerships are committed to training high-level talent in scientific instruments. Thus, TIRI officially launched the Joint Research Laboratory for Ultra-Precision Machining Technology on January 16 and invited representatives of multinational companies, ultra-precision machining research teams from universities throughout Taiwan, juristic entities, and major players in the optoelectronics industry to take part.
For years, TIRI has been committed to developing precision optoelectronics component manufacturing technology as well as supporting national-level initiatives and sustainable development in academic research. In addition, TIRI has been dedicated to creating a precision optoelectronics R&D hub specializing in space technology, semiconductors, and forward-looking academic research. These efforts have driven improvements in Taiwan’s optoelectronics manufacturing technology while bringing related domestic industries in line with benchmark international companies. Under a cooperative framework that includes industry, government, academia, and research, TIRI established Joint Research Laboratory for Ultra-Precision Machining Technology. In addition to having ultra-precision machinery with high-precision measurement devices for surface roughness and non-spherical surfaces, Joint Research Laboratory for Ultra-Precision Machining Technology also has a 250UPL MP-G ultra-precision lathe, which was provided by one of the top three largest ultra-precision machining systems suppliers, Moore Nanotechnology Systems (Nanotech). Nanotech’s representative company in Taiwan, DKSH Taiwan, assisted in the installation and maintenance as well as technical support. This equipment will give Taiwanese academic research teams the opportunity to train with the world’s most advanced machinery.
On January 16, TIRI hosted and exchange seminar and official launch of Joint Research Laboratory for Ultra-Precision Machining Technology. During the seminar, participants discussed the latest developments and trends in ultra-precision machining and witnessed a demonstration of the Nanotech 250UPL MP-G lathe. In the future, Joint Research Laboratory for Ultra-Precision Machining Technology will promote research cooperation and talent training in ultra-precision machining.
This laboratory has invited research teams from National Taiwan University, National Tsing Hua University, National Cheng Kung University, National Central University, National Sun Yat-sen University, National Taiwan Normal University, National Taiwan University of Science and National Taipei University of Technology, National Formosa University, Tamkang University, Cheng Shiu University to participate. These teams come from a wide variety of disciplines ranging from ultra-precision machining technology and precision mechanical design to optical inspection. TIRI’s ultra-precision optoelectronics research manufacturing service platform has incorporated Nanotech’s ultra-precision machining technology personnel and equipment support. In the future, TIRI will seek further equipment and collaborative opportunities from the private sector. This collaboration will create a comprehensive training base for the cultivation of talent in ultra-precision optical design and manufacturing. TIRI also plans to collaborate with academic and research teams to establish a complete training mechanism, which will contribute to the development of internationally competitive talent in ultra-precision optical machining in Taiwan.
The development of the precision optoelectronics industry in Taiwan has played a crucial role in the global market. In addition to optical lenses for consumer electronics, the industry has experienced another wave of opportunities with the flourishing development of optical systems in applications such as Intelligent Drive, Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), and even low Earth orbit satellites and optical communications.
TIRI leverages the collaborative research and development efforts of industry, academia, and research institutions. Through such an exchange of technical knowledge and equipment sharing in joint laboratories, TIRI is fostering talent in the design and development of precision optical systems. TIRI extends the manufacturing process of optical glass lenses to advanced materials like alloys through ultra-precision machining. This acceleration of ultra-precision machining technology in the development of optical components for the next generation of optical systems not only aids in upgrading domestic industries but also propels Taiwan's precision optical component manufacturing technology onto the global stage by aligning with international standards.
