St. Clair College is getting $150,000 from the federal government for a 3D innovation lab for its applied manufacturing program.
The funds will be used for a 3D metal printer, a carbon fiber, fiberglass, and kevlar 3D printer, and a 7-axis robotic arm with an integrated 3D scanner.
The college said this equipment will give local businesses an opportunity to participate in applied research projects with low risk capital investment, will help test and justify more 3D printing and 3D scanning technologies, will discover technology return on investments, and will identify unique customer value and competitive advantages.
St. Clair adds its applied research and educational programs are catalysts to industry innovation and commercialization, and the proposed equipment will be essential to regional, and national companies to improve their products and processes.
With the growth rate of advanced manufacturing rapidly increasing, the college said it is essential to support local businesses in innovation and global competitiveness through applied research and student training.
The lab will be located in the Ford Center for Excellence in Manufacturing at the south campus and will provide new applied research project capabilities in advanced manufacturing product and process design through rapid prototyping, direct digital manufacturing of end use parts, rapid tooling, and tool, die, and mold design and manufacturing.
“Manufacturing industries throughout this region will benefit immensely from the new research and testing capabilities made possible by the federal funding of this new equipment at the college,” said St. Clair President Patti France. “Additionally, the opportunity for our students to be involved with this hands-on research will provide them with cutting-edge abilities which they will carry with them into the employment marketplace.”