Research Center on Large Metal Additive Manufacturing

William King, Sam Tawfick, Chenui Shao, Placid Ferreira, and Katie Matlack (Mechanical Science and Engineering)
Magdi Azer (Applied Research Institute)
Jeff Baur (Aerospace Engineering)
Marie Charpagne (Materials Science & Engineering)

Research Problem

There is now widespread agreement that additive manufacturing (AM) will be a significant component of global supply chains for decades. The Department of Defense and industry strongly desire the ability to produce large metal AM parts for their potential to introduce new manufacturing capabilities, create fast and responsive supply chains and reduce costs for low-volume production.

LMAM Vision

We aim to establish the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign as the world’s premier research and technology organization for large metal additive manufacturing (LMAM). The proposed center will have three thrust areas: fundamental research, applied research and workforce development. To support these activities, we propose to build a facility that has LMAM equipment and infrastructure. We will create partnerships with industry to set the center strategy and identify areas of collaboration. Our team will engage with industry and government to identify key process technologies and materials of interest. 

Larger Impact

The proposed center will help to unlock domestic job creation, supply chain resilience, and sustainability. The center will have a significant economic impact and stimulate job creation in Illinois and the surrounding region. LMAM will also provide sustainability benefits by reducing the energy and carbon footprint of large metal fabrications.