The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga expects a new facility to address the need for engineers who can use additive manufacturing – better known as 3D printing – to overcome barriers and solve problems.
The new Innovation and Advanced Manufacturing Application Center will be located on the 700 block of M.L. King Boulevard.
“This building will enable our faculty, students and industry partners to continue to expand our capability for our future workforce, developing them and developing solutions for manufacturing and related industries, resulting in new jobs and new manufacturing methods, as well as new businesses,” says Dr. Daniel Pack, dean of the College of Engineering and Computer Science.
The I-AMAC is designed for two purposes. One is giving senior students the spaces and tools to work on capstone projects they must complete to graduate.
The other is to provide ample, hands-on access to additive manufacturing techniques for all engineering and computer science students to prepare them for the systems and technology awaiting them in industry, says Jim Newman, head of the UTC Department of Mechanical Engineering.
“They have to have this prerequisite knowledge when they come into the workplace.”
Additive manufacturing builds parts one layer at a time with a spray nozzle moving back and forth, similar to an inkjet printer. Industries such as aerospace, automotive, medical, transportation, consumer goods and energy now rely heavily on the technique.
“More and more, industries are realizing they can cut down design-cycle time and cost by going to additive manufacturing,” Newman says.
Joe Ferguson, chairman of the College of Engineering and Computer Science executive advisory board and former EPB board chair, says the I-AMAC is “all about hands-on,” a critical tool in today’s engineering industry.
“People in the private sector understand how important it is to have people come to your organization that understand the culture is different,” he says.
Pack notes that the College of Engineering and Computer Science has grown significantly in the last 10 years. In 2012, the college partnered with about 75 local and regional companies, a number that grew to more than 600 in 2022, he says.
“Simply put, the college has grown its size and stature, and we’re playing an increasing role in the community, in producing workforce innovation and promoting economic growth.”
Construction of the I-AMAC facility will take place in three phases. The first two will be 5,000 square feet each; the third will be 10,000 square feet. UTC officials expect to complete the first phase this year.
Source: UTC