TU Darmstadt opens innovative additive manufacturing center
The new center for technology and knowledge transfer will serve as a central hub for industry and businesses seeking expertise and solutions related to additive manufacturing.
The Technical University of Darmstadt (TU Darmstadt) in South Hessen recently unveiled its remarkable Additive Manufacturing Center (AMC) after nearly two years of construction. This cutting-edge facility is set to become the primary destination for industry professionals and businesses seeking expertise and solutions in additive manufacturing. The AMC brings together 13 departments, including mechanical engineering, materials science, and economics, to establish a collaborative environment that fosters interdisciplinary research and technological advancements.
Spanning 1,160 square meters of usable space, the new building on the Lichtwiese campus houses office spaces for collaborative work, seminar rooms for training and development, and laboratory and testing areas for powder production, additive manufacturing, post-processing, and material and component analysis. Equipped with state-of-the-art equipment, such as advanced 3D printers and CAD software, the AMC empowers students and industry professionals to gain practical experience with the latest additive manufacturing technologies and techniques.
The project budget was a substantial €17.7 million, with €8.85 million in funding from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). This financial support underscores the significance of the AMC for both the university and the state of Hessen.
The AMC‘s importance lies in its role as a catalyst for collaboration between academia and industry along the entire digital process chain, from product development to recycling. Moreover, the AMC is an educational hub offering high-quality training workshops, especially for the region’s small and medium-sized enterprises. Led by interdisciplinary experts from TU Darmstadt, these workshops provide participants with hands-on experience in various manufacturing technologies, including practical experience in all process steps – from conception to the finished product.
TU Darmstadt‘s Additive Manufacturing Center represents a step forward in additive manufacturing research and development. With its state-of-the-art facilities, interdisciplinary collaborations, and substantial funding, the AMC is poised to become a beacon of innovation in Hessen and a driving force in the adoption and advancement of additive manufacturing technologies. The transfer of technology and knowledge from academic research to industrial applications will give companies in Hessen a competitive edge.