Collaborative Hub on Additive Metals Manufacturing and Processing (CHAMMP)
Abstract
The DoD is investing substantial resources to determine how to use additive manufacturing to produce critical products for defense. Nonetheless, despite its robust R&D achievements in STEM, our institution has not taken full advantage of these opportunities related to additive metals manufacturing. To redress this adverse situation, this proposal seeks to establish the very first collaborative hub on additive metals manufacturing and processing (CHAMMP) in Puerto Rico. This transformative hub would involve the acquisition of an additive metal manufacturing unit with laser melting and an ad hoc 3D scanner. The hub will position UPRM ready to excel in research, teaching, and training in this novel manufacturing technology. The equipment will boost research related to: a) novel metal-matrix composites as essential parts of light-weight, high-performance electronic packaging systems as well as blast protection systems, mandatory in the defense industry; b) innovative bioresorbable and permanent implants for the injured warfighter with design and manufacturing complexity considerations in relation to cost and performance; and c) fabrication of novel electronic packaging solutions for thermal management of SiC electronics and DoDÕs more-electric vehicle initiative. Via contributions in academic programs, CHAMMP will impact hundreds of undergraduate and graduate students per year, enrolled in courses with manufacturing, design, experimentation, and research components.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Sep 20, 2018
- Source ID
- W911NF1710494
Entities
People
- Oscar Suarez
Organizations
- Army Contracting Command
- Office of the Secretary of Defense
- University of Puerto Rico at Mayaguez