On 11 September, 2026, the Materials Innovation Center of the Faculty of Engineering’s Department of Materials Engineering welcomed faculty members and air cadets specializing in military and aircraft materials science from Navaminda Kasatriyadhiraj Royal Air Force Academy. The visit provided an opportunity to learn about materials science and engineering technologies and innovations at the Center.
The visiting group was welcomed by Assistant Professor Dr Weerawoot Kanokbannakorn, Associate Dean for Student Affairs and Special Affairs, and Assistant Professor Dr Ampika Bansiddhi, Head of the Materials Innovation Center, Strategy and Learning Development Division. Group Captain Assistant Professor Sansanee Hemakom, Director of the Science Division, Academic Department, Navaminda Kasatriyadhiraj Royal Air Force Academy, led the faculty and cadets on the visit.
The program included demonstrations and hands-on learning with materials science equipment at several stations:
Station 1 — Materials Forming Technologies
An introduction to equipment and processes for injection molding, compression molding, and extrusion.
Station 2 — Mechanical Properties Testing
A demonstration of mechanical testing equipment, including a Universal Testing Machine (UTM) and Vickers Hardness Tester.
Station 3 — Materials Structure and Microstructure Analysis
An introduction to crystal structure analysis and microstructure examination using X-ray Diffraction (XRD) and an Optical Microscope (OM).
Station 4 — Materials Degradation Testing and Nanoscale Surface Analysis
A demonstration of accelerated weathering tests using a QUV tester (a laboratory device that recreates outdoor damage like sunlight, rain, and dew on materials in just a few days) and nanoscale surface analysis using an Atomic Force Microscope (AFM).
The visit offered a valuable opportunity to exchange knowledge about materials science and technology. It also gave the cadets a chance to see how materials science and engineering are applied through equipment and technologies used in university teaching and research.
The Materials Innovation Center, Department of Materials Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Kasetsart University, warmly thanks Navaminda Kasatriyadhiraj Royal Air Force Academy for bringing its faculty and cadets to visit. The Center hopes the experience will support their learning, broaden their practical knowledge, and inspire them to apply what they have learned in their future studies and careers.
