University of Louisville receives 1 million dollars for the further development of AM technology

The University of Louisville and its partners have been awarded million from the National Science Foundation to accelerate manufacturing innovation in Kentucky and surrounding regions.

The NSF AMT project is led by the Kentucky Science and Technology Corporation (KSTC) and includes core partners such as the University of Louisville (UofL), the Kentucky Community and Technical College System, and various trade organizations such as ASTRO America.

“When Kentucky’s businesses are able to leverage groundbreaking innovations from our leading institutions, like the University of Louisville, our entire economy stands to gain,” said U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell, who helped secure the funding for the AMT coalition.

The project aims to improve the use of and innovation in additive manufacturing technology, also known as 3D printing. This technology can help manufacturers reduce lead times for parts, material costs, energy consumption and waste. Louisville is home to more than 2,400 manufacturing businesses in a variety of industries, from food and beverage production to automotive, with a workforce of more than 82,500.

“By focusing on advancing sustainable additive manufacturing technologies, this project has the potential to support expansion and attract companies and additional high-wage, high-skilled jobs for our commonwealth,” said Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear. “These kinds of initiatives add to the remarkable strides being made by Kentucky’s entrepreneurs, companies and colleges and universities toward building our state’s future economy. Congratulations to the AMT team for securing this award and both demonstrating and improving Kentucky’s competitiveness and capacity for research and innovation.”

UofL will leverage its world-class degree and technology certification programs to build a skilled workforce and further expand its research strength. This includes connecting with the Kentucky Manufacturing Extension Partnership (KY-MEP) as well as multidisciplinary labs such as the Additive Manufacturing Institute of Science & Technology. In the coming year, UofL will host a series of events, workshops and demonstrations to engage businesses and showcase the potential of additive manufacturing.

“The innovative research we produce at UofL becomes most meaningful when applied to advancements that improve our community,” said UofL President Kim Schatzel. “We’re proud to continue working with our partners to translate our additive manufacturing knowledge into solutions that revolutionize the way we manufacture everything from medication to computer chips.”

In addition to the current funding, UofL recently received another NSF Engines Development Grant of $1 million for the Generate Advanced Manufacturing Excellence for Change (GAME Change) project. This project aims to ensure economic competitiveness in the Southeastern Commerce Corridor (SCC) of Kentucky and Tennessee, with a focus on advanced manufacturing, supply chain and logistics, and sustainable materials.

“UofL is committed to empowering small and medium enterprises in our region with the latest advancements in additive manufacturing,” said Will Metcalf, UofL associate vice president for research and innovation and partner on NSF AMT. “Through our NSF Engines Development award and other efforts, we will engage in training and outreach to help these businesses thrive in an increasingly competitive market.”

The NSF Engines Initiative, authorized by the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022, leverages nationwide science and technology resources to strengthen regional partnerships.

“We are eager to continue the work and build upon the partnerships we developed as part of our initial NSF Engines proposal through this  award,” said KSTC President Terry Samuel. “It is a testament to the importance and potential of both our region and additive manufacturing technologies.”