RIT’s AMPrint Center has received a significant boost with a 10-year renewal contract from New York State to further develop cutting-edge 3D-printing technologies. The total funding, distributed in two increments of $5 million each, will be applied to advance the center’s capabilities in creating next-generation 3D-printing processes, materials, and applications.
Launched in 2015, the AMPrint Center plays a pivotal role in enhancing New York state’s position as a global leader in 3D printing through collaborations across industry, government, and academia. This initiative has fostered the growth of startups and improved the application of high-performance materials, such as metals and carbon fiber composites, in 3D printing.
Denis Cormier, director of the AMPrint Center and a professor in RIT’s Kate Gleason College of Engineering, expressed the center’s mission to revitalize the region’s printing industry by leveraging its expertise to meet the demands of the rapidly expanding 3D-printing market.
The center is equipped with an array of advanced 3D printers that are used for both research and educational purposes. According to industry reports, the global 3D printing market is expected to grow substantially, indicating a bright future for technologies developed at AMPrint.
Recent advancements include collaboration with Impossible Objects, a Rochester-based company known for its high-speed 3D printing technology. AMPrint has facilitated the installation of the CBAM-25, described as the world’s fastest 3D printer, which has already begun to support various funded projects pertaining to carbon composite printing.
Moreover, AMPrint is pioneering a new type of 3D printer that operates similarly to an inkjet but uses molten metal instead of ink. This innovative approach recently secured a $3 million grant from the National Science Foundation aimed at accelerating its commercialization.
Cormier believes this new metal 3D-printing technology could revolutionize manufacturing, enabling on-demand production of metal parts rather than relying on extensive logistics and storage.
RIT continues to develop a robust curriculum for its students, ensuring a steady stream of skilled engineers well-versed in 3D-printing technology. Classes offered at the AMPrint Center include everything from introductory courses to specialized training in metal and composite 3D printing.
Additionally, AMPrint is working on projects that involve the development of customized dentures and innovative methods for printing glass structures capable of withstanding extreme temperature changes. Such projects reflect the center’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in 3D printing and manufacturing.
For further details on RIT’s AMPrint Center and its initiatives, visit AMPrint Center.