3D Systems, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and America Makes announced the award of three major grants to leading universities to advance research in additive manufacturing technology. The announcement was made on August 15 by Governor Tom Corbett at 3DS’ 3D printing facility in Langhorne, Pennsylvania. The grants are provided by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and America Makes and will be used to finance research conducted in partnership with 3D Systems.
“Pennsylvania is known for making products for the world, and to remain competitive, we must ensure our policies support the technology and innovation of the 21st century,” said the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s Governor Tom Corbett. “By supporting this collaborative initiative, we will tap the best and brightest from two of Pennsylvania’s many prestigious universities to help our manufacturers remain leaders in the global economy.”
Part of the larger Research for Additive Manufacturing in Pennsylvania (RAMP) program, the Corbett administration’s Discovered in PA – Developed in PA (D2PA) grant of $1 million has been awarded to Carnegie Mellon University (CMU). RAMP was established in 2012 to engage in specific innovation projects with Pennsylvania manufacturers. D2PA was established by Corbett in 2011 to support Pennsylvania businesses and to spur creativity and innovation in the provision of economic development services.
Lehigh University received a $1 million grant from America Makes, the national additive manufacturing innovation institute. America Makes was established by the U.S. Department of Defense and other governmental organizations in 2012 and brings together 100 companies and universities to advance 3D printing into the market.
Additional private industry in-kind contributions to a value of $1 million are being provided to fund both projects.
The announced grants will be used to fund at least 13 projects, including the fabrication of medical instrumentation for knee and hip replacement and complex additive manufacturing with various materials. 3D Systems will partner with Carnegie Mellon and Lehigh University to support these projects, driven by 3DS’ expertise in 3D healthcare technology and end-to-end digital thread for personalized medicine.
“These institutions’ proposals and project concepts were groundbreaking,” said Jim Williams, 3DS’ Vice President for Aerospace and Defense. “With these grants, CMU and Lehigh will not only be making key contributions to the medical and scientific communities, but fostering technological innovation throughout Pennsylvania as well. We are delighted to support this effort.”
