This week at Auburn University, Auburn, Ala., USA, two groups launched centers of excellence in additive manufacturing aimed at accelerating R&D, standardization, and innovation in that field, also known as 3D printing. 

Global standards developer ASTM International launched its Additive Manufacturing Center of Excellence (CoE) with Auburn University, NASA, manufacturing technology innovator EWI, and the U.K.-based Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC). Auburn and NASA also formally launched -the National Center for Additive Manufacturing Excellence (NCAME).. 

 

ASTM International President Katharine Morgan said that "the synergy among EWI, MTC, Auburn, and NASA will help fill the gaps in technical standards that this industry needs to drive innovation. As a result, we'll empower industries that are eager to apply additive manufacturing to aerospace, auto, medical, and more." 

 

AMCOE's advisory board comprised of U.S. and international public and private sector leaders met for the first time this week while other meetings involved R&D as well as education and workforce development teams. The events come on the heels of AMCOE's international launch on July 13 at the MTC where European industry and government officials gathered to celebrate this initiative.

*Auburn University President Steven Leath said that "Auburn is committed to growing research, solving real-world problems and establishing partnerships that support these transformative initiatives, such as our thriving additive manufacturing program. By investing in skilled researchers and first-rate facilities, we aim to drive additive technology forward and unleash its full potential. We look forward to continuing to work with our industry and government collaborators."

 

Auburn University is in the final stage of renovations to the Gavin Engineering Research Laboratory, which will in part house additive manufacturing research funded through the centers.

 

Auburn University is a nationally ranked land grant institution recognized for its commitment to world-class scholarship, interdisciplinary research, and an undergraduate education experience second to none. Auburn is home to more than 29,000 students, and its faculty and research partners collaborate to develop and deliver meaningful scholarship, science and technology-based advancements that meet pressing regional, national, and global needs. Auburn's commitment to active student engagement, professional success, and public/private partnership drives a growing reputation for outreach and extension that delivers broad economic, health, and societal impact. Auburn's mission to educate, discover, and collaborate drives its expanding impact on the world.

 

Committed to serving global societal needs, ASTM International positively impacts public health and safety, consumer confidence, and overall quality of life. It integrates consensus standards—developed with its international membership of volunteer technical experts—and innovative services to improve lives... helping our world work better.