Beijing Jingdiao Co Ltd (JD), a leading five-axis machine manufacturer in China, and the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering of HKUST signed the Joint Development Agreement on March 10. Under the agreement, JD donates a state-of-the-art high-precision five-axis machine (worth more than RMB1 million in market price) and the accompanying CAD/CAM software to HKUST and will collaborate with HKUST on research topics such as tool path generation, cutting force, kinetic and kinematic performances in five-axis machining. The machine, which was officially handed over to the department on March 10, is expected to be widely used in teaching, research and demonstration activities in the University.

Five-axis machines play a crucial role in various engineering disciplines such as aerospace engineering. They are an essential part in the manufacturing of high-precision aero components such as blades of aero engines. JD provides five-axis machines and CAD/CAM software for big names in the industry such as Apple, Foxconn, and has wide collaboration with Mainland universities.