Jul.27, 2012
The University of Dayton Research Institute was awarded $3 million from the Ohio Third Frontier to work on developing specialized materials for use in additive manufacturing, also known as 3D printing.
On Wednesday this money was awarded as as part of $21 million in grants through several innovation-based programs.
UDRI will work with program partners, Stratasys, PolyOne and Rapid Prototype Plus Manufacturing Inc. to develop aircraft-engine components for GE Aviation, as well as parts and components for ATK Aerospace Structures, Boeing, Goodrich, Honda, Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman.
3D printers can use polymer, metal or ceramic feedstock. UDRI's program will focus on polymers, which is already a major manufacturing industry in Ohio.
"UDRI has developed a highly specialized nanomaterial that will reinforce the polymer feedstock, giving the finished product greater strength and stiffness than non-reinforced polymer," Rice said. "It also will make the polymer electrically conductive."
(3D printed ice scraper / image credit: UDRI)
PolyOne will scale-up the polymer feedstock needed for mass manufacturing, Stratasys will support the inclusion of new materials in their additive manufacturing systems, and RP+M will use its expertise in additive parts manufacturing to work with Stratasys to print and supply parts to end users, Rice said.
The goal is to make aircraft parts that are stronger, lighter weight and easier to produce.
"We have created an entire supply chain designed to create Ohio jobs," Rice said. "We expect this program to result in the creation of 30 high-tech jobs in Ohio during the first three years and 85 jobs after five years."
UDRI will use part of the Third Frontier award to purchase a 3-D printer to demonstrate the technology.
Source: UDRI
Posted in 3D Printing Materials
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This is fascinating. I'm interested in going into an aircraft mechanic/aerospace engineering field, and this makes me happy to know that it is still growing.
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