PLYMOUTH – The Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center has been awarded $1.2 million over two years from the National Institute of Standards and Technology Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership program for a pilot program to accelerate applied research/development, manufacturing and technology transition to the market of lightweight metals. The announcement was made by Michael Coast, President of The Center.
The goal of the project is to establish enduring collaborations among small U.S. manufacturers, the Manufacturing USA Institutes and MEP centers. The Center will partner with LIFT – Lightweight Innovations for Tomorrow , to advance lightweight metals initiatives including:
· Developing innovative approaches for transferring new lightweighting technology from LIFT to small U.S. manufacturers;
· Creating approaches for engaging small manufacturers in the work of the network of institutes through hands-on assistance and services;
· Building and testing business models by which MEP centers and institutes may effectively serve the needs of U.S. manufacturers in the technology areas of the institutes, and facilitate knowledge and best practice sharing; and
· Fostering an enhanced nationwide network of partnerships among the institutes and MEP centers.
Gregg Peterson, The Center’s lightweight materials expert, will work on-site at LIFT’s Detroit headquarters as a Principle Materials Engineer. Peterson will advise manufacturers about the important benefits lightweight materials have within the industry and provide assistance during the manufacturing transition and implementation. With nearly four decades of experience, Gregg’s expertise includes ferrous and non-ferrous body and structure design, aerodynamics, software controls, manufacturing/processing, and electrical power generation.
“Both market demand and regulatory rules favor more use of lightweight materials, particularly in the transportation sector,” said Coast. “This grant affords The Center with a valuable opportunity to propel lightweighting innovation.
“Our partnership with LIFT will positively impact manufacturing on a global scale and further strengthen our expertise across the manufacturing landscape.” Coast adds, “We also are pleased to be a conduit to other MEP centers who have clients that need access to this lightweight knowledge.”
LIFT bridges the gap between basic research and final product commercialization of new, advanced, lightweight metal materials. Its work enables technologies that will allow small to mid-sized manufacturers to produce cost-effective lightweight components for the defense, aerospace, automotive, marine and heavy truck industries.
“LIFT is helping to lead the nation in lightweight technology development,” said Lawrence E. Brown, Executive Director of LIFT. “Together with The Center, we will accelerate cutting-edge manufacturing transition by reimagining processes and procedures. Technology transition is central to LIFT’s strategy, and it is the pivotal point that led LIFT and The Center to collaborate over the next two years.”
For more information, visit www.the-center.org.
