Pentagon awards YSU $365K grant to purchase 3D printer
Staff report
YOUNGSTOWN
The U.S. Department of Defense has awarded Youngstown State University a $365,000 grant to purchase a 3-D printer.
The 3-D printer will enhance YSU’s additive-manufacturing research and education capabilities. The equipment uses a process called “directed energy deposition” that involves spraying powdered metal or ceramic in front of a laser that then fuses the powder.
“With this new equipment, YSU students and faculty will have access to six of the seven types of [additive manufacturing] processes either here at YSU or at America Makes,” said Brett Conner, YSU associate professor of mechanical and industrial engineering and director of advanced manufacturing workforce initiatives.
America Makes is a public-private partnership with member organizations from industry, academia, government and workforce-development resources. Founded in 2012, it is the first additive-manufacturing hub created by President Barack Obama’s administration.
It is located on West Boardman Street in downtown Youngstown.
“Given our success with research and educational initiatives in additive manufacturing and the broad availability of our equipment, we have a rightful claim to being the best opportunity for students across the nation wishing to become educated in this manufacturing capability,” said Martin Abraham, YSU provost and vice president for Academic Affairs.
The grant was awarded under the Pentagon’s Defense University Research Instrumentation program, which supports the purchase of equipment that complements or develops a university’s capabilities to perform cutting edge defense research.
The Pentagon received nearly 700 proposals, but 111 academic institutions received awards.
YSU’s award is through the Office of Naval Research, which is among the three Pentagon research offices that jointly conducted the merit competition.