Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) hosted the 7th Sustain AM (Additive Manufacturing) event on August 26th, 2024, bringing together researchers, students, and industry experts to explore the future of sustainable manufacturing.
Funded by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) and the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF), the event emphasized the innovative use of biobased materials in additive manufacturing.
The event, which will run for two weeks, is part of a broader four-year project launched in 2021 and set to continue until June 2025. The project is jointly implemented by JKUAT and Freiberg University of Mining and Technology (TUBAF) in Germany.
The project aims to explore the potential of biobased materials in additive manufacturing, aligning with global sustainability goals and fostering international collaboration in technological innovation.
Dr.-Ing. Henning Zeidler, Chair of Additive Manufacturing at TUBAF, delivered an insightful keynote lecture that set the tone for the workshop. He highlighted how additive manufacturing (AM) is driving sustainability and how the Sustain AM initiative is contributing to this global objective.
“Additive manufacturing is uniquely positioned to lead this transformation. Traditional manufacturing methods are often wasteful, consuming vast resources and leaving behind significant environmental footprints. In contrast, additive manufacturing allows us to produce complex structures with minimal waste, making it a powerful tool in our pursuit of sustainability,” Dr. Zeidler stated.
Reflecting on the progress of the Sustain AM project, Dr. Zeidler acknowledged the significant strides made in research and training, noting that over 70 students have been trained in additive manufacturing technologies through the Sustain AM schools. These efforts are creating a new generation of professionals who are not only technically proficient but also deeply committed to sustainability.
Prof.Benard Ikua, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Administration and Finance emphasized the importance of international collaborations, which bring together expertise from different parts of the world to advance research and development in additive manufacturing and sustainability.
“At JKUAT, we are committed to supporting projects like Sustain AM, which not only provide our students with cutting-edge knowledge and skills but also contribute to the broader goal of creating sustainable solutions for our communities and industries,” said Prof.Ikua.
Dr. Ing Wamai Mwangi, Coordinator of the Sustain AM Project and lecturer in the Department of Mechatronics Engineering at JKUAT, emphasized the project’s role in advancing sustainability within the manufacturing industry.
“The Sustain AM project represents a significant leap forward in integrating sustainability into manufacturing. We are not just teaching students about additive manufacturing; we are equipping them with the tools and knowledge to create a more sustainable future. The work we are doing here, particularly with biobased materials like water hyacinth, rice husks, coconut husks, and bean pods, demonstrates the potential of local resources to drive global change,” Dr. Mwangi remarked.
Cynthia Owuor Omondi, a 5th-year Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering student, recognized the Sustain AM project as an opportunity for further academic and professional growth. She sees this as a chance to deepen her knowledge in additive manufacturing and contribute to sustainable innovations on a global scale.
“The Sustain AM Program is both an enjoyable and educative experience, offering participants the chance to explore current additive manufacturing technologies that can be applied in one’s career. The program’s opening sessions were outstanding, providing valuable insights into what Sustain AM offers, including scholarship opportunities in Germany,” said Ms. Omondi.
