Government Initiative to Fund Additive Manufacturing R&D

In a season of a lot of political talk, it’s refreshing to see some action. President Obama recently announced the start of a government initiative that will partner with businesses, universities, and non-profit organizations to fund research and development in additive manufacturing.

Additive Manufacturing Initiative Brings New Shine to the Rust Belt

by Travis Hessman

In the once-thriving industrial center of Youngstown, Ohio today, news of a $30 million public-private advanced manufacturing partnership is turning conversations of the failing “rust belt” into that of a new and thriving “tech belt.”

The change comes with the announcement from President Obama that a consortium of regional businesses, universities and nonprofit organizations has been awarded $30 million by the Department of Defense and the Department of Commerce to establish the National Additive Manufacturing Innovation Institute.

The NAMII will be composed of a core group of manufacturers, research universities, community colleges and non-profit organizations throughout Northeast Ohio, Pennsylvania and West Virginia, which will contribute an additional $40 million to the partnership.

“I’m pleased that we are taking steps to strengthen American manufacturing by launching a new manufacturing institute in Ohio,” president Obama said. “This institute will help make sure that the manufacturing jobs of tomorrow take root not in places like China or India, but right here in the United States of America.”

Read the full article here at Industry Week, as well as another take by the Science Insider.

Staying at the fore front of technological development isn’t just about the spirit of innovation. Adoption of new technology is imperative for businesses to stay relevant in the automation industry. Where do you see additive manufacturing leading? What other innovations do you see becoming a necessity for the industry?