The Kummer Institute for Advanced Manufacturing at Missouri University of Science and Technology recently acquired a WarpSPEE3D large-format metal 3D printer from Australian manufacturer SPEE3D. With it, the institute hopes to help Missouri manufacturers establish additive manufacturing in their production processes.
According to Dr. Richard Billo, the institute’s director, the purchase was based on feedback from local industry. Many manufacturers reported difficulties in conventional manufacturing due to supply chain irregularities. The new 3D printer is already expected to be used for initial customer projects.
The aim is to build up the necessary knowledge to enable a successful conversion of manufacturing to additive processes. This concerns, for example, geometric restrictions, material properties and heat treatment requirements. Students will be trained in the operation and can then bring their knowledge to regional industry.
The WarpSPEE3D technology is based on the fusion layering of metallic powders by high-speed particle blasting. According to Billo, close collaboration with SPEE3D is critical to advancing additive manufacturing in the direction of conventional processes such as casting and forging. Common standards and two-way learning are key, he said.
With the new printer and planned additional equipment, the institute aims to modernize manufacturing education. Students should be able to gain extensive practical experience in developing products and manufacturing processes with new technologies. This should strengthen the innovative capacity of regional industry in the long term.
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