On Dec 12, 2024 members of the NSF-funded AMT Development grant project visited Somerset Community College in Kentucky to see in person how students can learn DfAM, plastic and metal Additive Manufacturing, Concrete Additive Manufacturing and discover how to make AM materials using waste products such as bottles, bourbon waste (Of course, it’s in Kentucky!) and more.
With an amazing research faculty from KCTCS, headed by Professor Eric Wooldridge, Professor of Additive Manufacturing, exploration into using 3D printed concrete is resulting in innovative new structural solutions that can make buildings more resistant to flood waters is underway. In addition, inexpensive metal FDM solutions are enabling the production of non-critical metal parts at pennies on the dollar compared to high-end metal AM systems.
VR-based training technology is also being applied to practical topics such as assembly, preparation for welding and visualizing 2D blueprints into 3D.
The KCTCS system involves a lot of ingenious thinking and application development to enable students to apply innovation to AM while learning employable skills to take to the workplace. They have already trained more than 1,000 high school students, 250 teachers and 2,500 community college students in AM and there’s no stopping them now!
NSF Engines Development Award: Advancing manufacturing and building construction technologies KY, WV, OH.
This material is based upon work supported by the NSF Engines Development Award: Advancing manufacturing and building construction technologies KY, WV, OH funded by the National Science Foundation.