Collaboration between UPM Additive Solutions and Center for Design and Manufacturing Excellence

UPM Additive Solutions, an additive manufacturing company, recently visited The Ohio State University’s Center for Design and Manufacturing Excellence (CDME). This visit served to reflect on two years of successful collaboration and present the team with a commemorative build plate that will be displayed in their lab.

The partnership began with UPM’s desire to develop an innovative, additively manufactured panel bottle opener. This project utilized the creativity of CDME students to design a unique lattice structure to complement the rather “simple” design of metal additive building panels. Since then, the collaboration has evolved: UPM has hired CDME students, and now the CDME regularly works with UPM, particularly on EDM and grinding services, and collaborates on various projects in the CDME additive lab.

Building boards play a crucial role in additive processes such as Powder Bed Fusion and Directed Energy Deposition. They form the basis on which ideas are brought to life, where creativity meets technology and innovation takes shape. In presenting the commemorative plaque, UPM recognizes The Ohio State University’s pivotal role as a catalyst for progress and celebrates the collaborative spirit within its academic community.

Chris Prue, Application Development Manager for UPM Additive Solutions, emphasized the transformative insights gained from working with the CDME team. He stated, “Collaborating with CDME provides a glimpse into the next generation of additive designs and technology. UPM Additive Solutions is proud to support the continued efforts to accelerate development for projects by collaborating our services along with allowing students to understand the value chain.”

“We work with many small and large businesses similar to UPM” stated Ben DiMarco Additive Manufacturing Technology Leader at CDME. “A diverse ecosystem of collaborators allow our students a unique opportunity to learn and ultimately find a landing spot after they graduate.” This is paramount to CDME’s mission as they employ undergraduates in their research center to supplement the undergraduate learning environment. “In recent projects we have worked with UPM to finish machine our plates, provide part services, and allow for improved logistics in complex manufacturing projects”, DiMarco added.

The Ohio State University CDME plays an integral role in advancing the manufacturing sector through interdisciplinary research, industry collaboration, technology commercialization and workforce training. UPM Additive Solutions continues its efforts to unlock further innovation and supply chain solutions for metal-based additive manufacturing for companies and institutions of all sizes.