DESCRIPTION
DEVELPMENT OF THAILAND ELECTROPLATING PROFESSIONAL NETWORK (TEPNET) by Metallurgy and Materials Science and Research Institute, Chulalongkorn University & The National Science, Technology and Innovative Policy Office (STI) in cooperation with companies in the eletroplating industry in Thailand.
INTRODUCTION
With an estimate of over a thousand plating lines installed, the eletroplating industry in Thailand is relatively large in the region, and is at
the core of various key industries in the nation, ranging from automotive to electronics, jewelry, sanitary, and machines. Nevertheless,
thus far, the Thai electroplating industry is not very visible globally and develpments in several fronts, including human resource,
environment management, and processing technology, are heavily needed.
Since early 2016, Thailand Electroplating Professional Network (TEPNET) has been established as propelled by Metallurgy and Materials
Science Research Institute (MMRI), Chulalingkorn University, with strong supports from the National Science, Technology and Innovation
Policy Office (STI) and companies in the electropating industry. The TEPNET mission is to develop a strong network of governmental
agencies, academics, and companies (plating factories and chemical & instrument suppliers) that altogether enhance the development
of the industry. Throughout 2016, TEPNET has initiated several collaborative activities including holding an inaugural TEPNET seminar,
brainstorming and analyzing of the industry’s needs, planning of effective training courses, and collaborating with Fraunhofer Institute IPA (Stuttgart, Germany).
With continuous supports and strong commitments from all parties, TEPNET is determined to strive for the development of the Thai
electroplating industry, which will ultimately help enable productions of high-quality goods and sustainable growths of the industry
and plating marketing in Thailand.
PROJECTED 5 YEARS TEPNET’S PLANS AND ACTIVITIES
TEPNET is detemined to execute several activities for the benefits of the eletroplating industries and its stakeholder in the value chains, as follows:
- Developing and conducting training courses in surface finishing technology and management that will help hone the skills and develop important knowledge for researchers, engineers, managers, and platers in the electroplating community.
- Developing technical research for sustainable benefits of the whole community, with particular emphasis on efficiency of energy and materials of electroplating processes and plants, waste water control and treatment, and recycling.
- Developing partnerships with local and international experts through experts visitng programs and networking activities.
- Reaching out to the electroplating companies and stakeholders for expansion and strengthening of TEPNET
- Establishing of TEPNET consortium’s office and central laboratory, that will serve as central units that orchestrate and administer the TEPNET activities, and connect all parties together.
TEPNET meeting on 30 August 2016 to discuss a development of effective electroplating training course for the community. The participant are the key menbers in the electroplating arena from the academics, indusrty, and governmental agencies.
