Jun 5, 2017 | By Tess
The United Technologies Research Center (UTRC) in East Hartford, Connecticut says it is investing $115 million to establish an Additive Manufacturing Center of Excellence ($75M) and an Engine Compressor Research facility ($40M). In addition to the announcement, UTRC has also inaugurated its newest “innovation hub,” a $60 million facility located on the company’s East Hardford campus.
As the “global innovation arm” of aircraft manufacturing company United Technologies Corporation, UTRC is planning big things. In addition to announcing the forthcoming development of a new 3D printing center and engine compressor research facility, the organization can immediately start to advance technologies and innovations for the company with its newly established innovation hub. The just-opened $60 million innovation hub is reportedly made up of new offices and laboratories that span 185,000 square feet.
The new facility and its construction were supported by the State of Connecticut, thanks largely to the 2014 Connecticut Aerospace Reinvestment Act (CARA). With Connecticut’s investment, UTRC will be better equipped to expand its research and use of “advanced materials, measurement sciences, sensor technologies, environmental sciences, autonomous systems and human-collaborative robotics.”
The $75 million Additive Manufacturing Center of Excellence, for its part, will enable UTRC to advance and speed up the adoption of 3D printing technologies (both metal and plastic) across UTC’s aircraft manufacturing business.
As for the $40 million Engine Compressor Research facility, the UTRC says it will partner with Pratt & Whitney, another aerospace manufacturing company, to develop and improve upon advance compressor technologies for “future commercial and military engines.” There is no word yet on when the additive manufacturing or engine compressor research facilities will be inaugurated.
"Since 1929, UTRC has served as a strategic partner to all UTC businesses, driving the newest and best advances in aerospace and commercial building technologies,” said Dr. David Parekh, Corporate Vice President, Research, and Director, UTRC. “This investment in our headquarters and our current and future innovators will allow us to remain global leaders for decades to come."
The UTRC’s new innovation hub, which is seeking to obtain LEED Gold certification with the U.S. Green Building Council, was officially inaugurated last week. A number of UTC executives were in attendance for the ribbon-cutting ceremony, as well as the Connecticut Governor Dannel Malloy, U.S. Senator for Connecticut Richard Blumenthal, and U.S. Representative John Larson.
"Global innovation at UTC begins right here at the Research Center in East Hartford," said Dr. Parekh at the inauguration. "Today we are unveiling a clear demonstration of UTC's commitment to investing in the breakthrough technologies that will help shape our future.”
Posted in 3D Printer Company
Maybe you also like:
- T-Bone Cape motion control board launches on Indiegogo
- New extruder could lower costs of 3D printing cellular structures for drug testing
- New Ninja Printer Plate for consumer 3D printing
- mUVe3D releases improved Marlin firmware for all 3D printers
- Zecotek plans HD 3D display for 3D printers
- Add a smart LCD controller to your Robo3D printer
- Maker Kase: a handy cabinet for 3D printers
- Heated bed for ABS printing with the Printrbot Simple XL
- Next gen all metal 3D printer extruder from Micron
- Pico all-metal hotend 100% funded in 48 hours, B3 announces Stretch Goal
- Create it REAL announces first 3D printing Real Time Processor
- A larger and more powerful 3D printer extruder on Kickstarter
3Ders.org provides the latest news about 3D printing technology and 3D printers. We are now seven years old and have around 1.5 million unique visitors per month.
