NAMII announces $4.5 million for first round of projects

MAMII announces $4.5 million for first round of projects

The National Additive Manufacturing Innovation Institute today announced the private companies and public universities that will work on its first round of research and development, awarding seven entities $4.5 million to begin their projects.

A project call was issued on Nov. 27, in which NAMII asked its members to submit additive manufacturing research proposals focused on the kinds of materials that can be used, production speeds, the manufacturing process and its bearing on quality.

Case Western Reserve University, the Missouri University of Science and Technology, Northrop Grumman Aerospace Systems, Penn State University and a company based near Cleveland, RP + M have been selected to work on various aspects of additive manufacturing. Case Western was awarded two projects.

The technology uses three-dimensional software to draw a blueprint, which is then transmitted to a machine that interprets the print and builds a product layer-by-layer using plastics, metals or resins.

The research focus of the forthcoming projects will be aimed at helping to further commercialize the technology.

Though only seven groups were selected, the work will involve eight universities and 25 private industry partners.

Most of the research will be conducted at the locations of the selected groups, but some exchange of knowledge, ideas and work will occur at NAMII’s West Boardman Street headquarters in downtown Youngstown.