Published 9/1/2017

PADT, Stratasys Partner on AM Lab in Colorado

The additive manufacturing laboratory, based in Denver’s Metropolitan State University, is funded through a grant from Lockheed Martin Space Systems and is said to be the first lab of its kind in the region.

Additive Manufacturing

Edited by: MMS Editorial Team

Phoenix Analysis and Design Technologies (PADT) Inc. is partnering with Stratasys to unveil what it calls a first-of-its-kind additive manufacturing lab in Colorado, located at the Metropolitan State University (MSU) of Denver. Expected to open later this fall, the Lockheed Martin Additive Manufacturing Laboratory will be unique to the state, dedicated to advance the use of 3D printing for creation of composite tooling applications addressing complex design and manufacturing requirements.

At the centerpiece of this lab is additive technology from Stratasys, enabling students and engineers to speed production and streamline efficiencies with 3D-printed tooling solutions addressing complex designs and shapes. Backed by the Stratasys Fortus 900mc production 3D printer, the environment is funded through a grant from Lockheed Martin Space Systems.

“Building the Lockheed Martin Additive Manufacturing Laboratory at MSU Denver is a major development in the progression of additive manufacturing tooling applications,” says Rey Chu, Principal and Co-Founder of Manufacturing Technologies at PADT Inc. “The expertise and dedication of Stratasys and PADT, combined with the generosity of Lockheed Martin and vision for advanced workforce development from MSU Denver, will help propel our industry far beyond where it is today.”

“We’re excited to work with Lockheed Martin to propel creation of highly innovative, additive manufacturing curriculum at MSU Denver,” says Tim Schniepp, Director of Composite Solutions at Stratasys. “Both students and local businesses now have access to leading 3D printing solutions for development of composite structures, enabling manufacturers to save time and money and solve even their most unique design challenges.”

Initially deployed at MSU Denver, the additive manufacturing curriculum will later become available for use by other academic institutions across the country. Additionally, PADT will work with MSU Denver, Lockheed Martin and other users to build a Fortus 900mc Users Group within the Rocky Mountain region.