The project aims to provide the Luxembourg Science Centre (LSC), a science and technology discovery centre based in Differdange, Luxembourg, with exceptional facilities in order to inspire young people in particular, and the wider public in general.
Luxembourg Science Centre acquires cutting-edge equipment
- 29 January 2020
The pieces of equipment financed by this project are key for the LSC. They make it possible to build, in a dramatic way, the bridge between the sciences and technologies of tomorrow and the general public. In addition, these machines form a platform that will allow Luxembourg companies to take on RDI projects using state-of-the-art equipment.
The first and only science centre in Luxembourg, the LSC intends to become a leader on the international scene as a centre of excellence by equipping itself with cutting-edge devices that will enrich manufacturing capacities in key technologies, modernise the image of heavy industry associated with the south of the country, and promote Luxembourg’s research, development and innovation (RDI) clusters. The project allows the LSC to purchase seven exceptional large pieces of equipment:
two experimental observation stations (an ecosphere and a mist chamber)two investigative instruments (an electron microscope and a high-speed camera)three manufacturing machines (a water jet cutter and a pair of metal and plaster powder 3D printers)Developing synergies with companies
Supported by educational materials and accessories, this equipment is used daily at the LSC and is part of spectacular demonstrations and instructive workshops.
In addition, an enterprise programme is being developed. It aims to make equipment available under certain conditions for specific R&D and outreach projects to encourage Luxembourg companies to get more involved in RDI.
The project encompasses three main challenges. The first is to create vocations for young people in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) to support job growth in the economy of tomorrow. The second aims to promote science and technology in general to the public at large. And the third challenge is to develop synergies between Luxembourg companies and economic players, research and development centres (R&D), and the higher education sector, by making high-value scientific and technical equipment available for particular RDI projects.
The production of 3D parts
Among the many activities resulting from the project, one of the leading achievements showing the interaction between two cutting-edge technologies is the plaster powder 3D printer financed by the ERDF, and a 3D human scanner made available by the Artec company. Within seconds, the scanner produces a 3D model of an LSC visitor. This model is sent to them by email and can then be printed in the form of a multi-coloured 3D statuette.
This equipment already allows LSC staff to train in the use of high-tech machines. In terms of investigative instruments, LSC’s current scientific staff is actually more familiar with classical imagery (photography, optical microscopy) than electron microscopy and filming slow-motion films, while the technical staff is more expert in traditional machining than in 3D printing or CNC (computer numerical control) cutting.
In addition to its informative function, the manufacturing equipment will make it possible to produce mechanical parts for the design of new experimental stations exhibited at the LSC and ‘souvenirs’ or ‘figurines’, which can be taken away by the public. Finally, this equipment will enable a deepening of already existing bonds between the LSC and Luxembourg companies, research centres and the university, thereby strengthening its mission as an informal educational institution, a link between school and the real economy.
Total investment and European funding
The ‘Luxembourg Science Centre’ project received a total investment of EUR 1 500 000, with the European Regional Development Fund contributing EUR 600 000 under the ‘ERDF Luxembourg’ cooperation programme for the 2014-2020 programming period. The investment falls under the ‘Investment for growth and jobs’ priority.