After introducing powder-based technology for sustainable manufacturing industries, Prof. Sugeng Supriadi, S.T., MS.Eng., Ph.D., has been inaugurated as a Full Professor in Advanced Materials Manufacturing Technology at the Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Indonesia (FTUI). He, along with two other UI faculty members — Prof. Dr. Ir. Dodi Sudiana, M.Eng., and Prof. Dr. Ir. Ahmad Indra Siswantara — was inaugurated as a Full Professor of FTUI by UI Rector, Prof. Dr. Ir. Heri Hermansyah, S.T., M.Eng., IPU, on Wednesday (5/3) at the UI Convention Center, Depok Campus.
In his scientific speech, Prof. Sugeng highlighted that powder technology can support a more environmentally friendly and efficient manufacturing industry. This technology encompasses various methods such as powder metallurgy, metal injection molding, and metal additive manufacturing, which enable mass production of high-quality customized products. With up to 95% raw material efficiency and significant reductions in energy consumption, this technology is expected to become the foundation for sustainable manufacturing.
Manufacturing technology for metal materials includes casting, mechanical forming, and powder metallurgy techniques. Molding processes can achieve high production speed for mass production. Powder materials made from metals that are difficult to process using casting or mechanical techniques can be fabricated using powder metallurgy techniques. In this method, powder materials are mixed with a binder and then moulded through pressing slip casting/laminating, and injection moulding processes. Subsequently, the material is compacted and strengthened through high-temperature sintering.
The Powder Metallurgy (PM) and Metal Injection Molding (MIM) methods in powder technology are designed to support high-efficiency mass production. The PM process enables the production of simple and complex components with minimal waste. Meanwhile, MIM allows the production of high-precision components, such as gears, turbochargers, and medical devices on a large scale. In this regard, a collaboration between UI and PT Pindad successfully developed precision components using MIM, enhancing the competitiveness of the national industry and reducing dependence on imports.
On the other hand, Metal Additive Manufacturing (MAM) supports more flexible custom production. This technology directly fabricates functional components from digital models with complex geometries. This method has been applied through collaborations between FTUI, the Faculty of Dentistry, and the Faculty of Medicine at UI to develop magnesium-based bone implants, which naturally degrade after the healing period. In addition, collaboration with orthopaedic doctors from the Department of Orthopedics at UI’s Faculty of Medicine has resulted in the development of Lumbo-sacrum iliac (LSI) prostheses and Mega Prosthesis Distal Femur (MPDF), providing solutions for bone cancer patients.
According to Prof. Sugeng, to support the application of powder technology, UI has developed gas atomization and plasma atomization technology capable of independently producing high-quality metal powders. This advancement is expected to reduce Indonesia’s reliance on imported raw materials while opening opportunities for Indonesia to become a leading supplier of metal powders in Southeast Asia. Independent production of high-quality metal powders also supports the foundry industry, enabling the production of superior metal powders to enhance industrial competitiveness.
“Powder technology not only focuses on material and energy efficiency but also on environmental sustainability. The re-manufacturing process using powder technology allows for the repair of high-value components without completely reproducing them from scratch. This supports the circular economy concept by extending product lifespans while reducing industrial waste. Furthermore, powder technology has great potential in supporting the production of components for renewable energy, such as heat exchangers for solar panels and wind turbines,” explained Prof. Sugeng.
The innovation of powder technology aligns with the vision of creating a sustainable, efficient, and environmentally friendly manufacturing industry. By leveraging this technology, industries are expected to reduce their carbon footprint while enhancing productivity significantly. UI is optimistic that powder technology will become one of the pillars of a greener, more efficient, and more competitive future industry. Through strong cross-disciplinary research collaboration and innovative application of powder technology, UI remains committed to supporting national industrial development towards a more sustainable future.
In addition to powder technology, Prof. Sugeng’s expertise in manufacturing technology is also applied to several research projects, including the Development of Porous Material and Hybrid Porous Ti6Al4V Dental Implants using Metal Injection Molding (2024); The Preliminary Development of a Friction-Based Lateral Screw-Retained Dental Crown—A Comparison between the Prototype Surface Treatment and the Retention Strength (2024); and Electrophoretic Deposition of Hydroxyapatite/Chitosan Coating on Porous Titanium for Orthopedic Application (2022).
Before being inaugurated as a professor, Prof. Sugeng completed his Bachelor’s degree in Metallurgical Engineering at FTUI in 2004, his Master’s degree in Materials Science in Engineering at Yeungnam University, South Korea, in 2007, and his Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering at Tokyo Metropolitan University, Japan in 2012. In addition to serving as a lecturer at the Department of Mechanical Engineering, FTUI, he currently serves as the Head of the Innovation Development Sub-Directorate at UI’s Directorate of Innovation and Science TechnoPark.
Several guests attended Prof. Sugeng’s inauguration ceremony, including the Dean of the Faculty of Dentistry at Prof. Dr. Moestopo University (Beragama), Dr. drg. Tjokro Prasetyadi., Sp.Ort.; the President Director of Fatmawati Central General Hospital (RSUP Fatmawati), Dr. Wahyu Widodo, Sp.OT (K); and the Director of PT Sri Tita Medika, Budiman.
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