A new manufacturing innovation center in Aberdeen, MD, part of the National Center for Manufacturing Sciences (NCMS; Ann Arbor, MI), will focus on developing next-generation industrial additive manufacturing technology, materials and processes. Collaboration among a cadre of engineers using world-class production resources will lead to scientific breakthroughs in metallurgy and plastics, as well as the development of factory machinery that will transform the way U.S. producers make aircraft, automobiles, munitions, medical devices and other products, said a press release distributed today by the NCMS.

Partners of the new center include the state of Maryland, Maryland Department of Commerce and Harford County, Maryland, as well as founding members 3D Systems and Applied Materials.

“3D Systems is proud to have helped NCMS lead this initiative,” said Neal Orringer, Vice President, Alliances & Partnerships, 3D Systems. “It’s a tremendous opportunity to partner with key government and industry leaders such as Applied Materials to drive innovation and U.S. competitiveness. This effort is designed to equip our military with the best technology possible at the best value to the taxpayer.”

This collaboration between government, industry and academia will advance and build on breakthrough, non-traditional technologies—large-scale additive manufacturing and point-of-need part manufacturing—that enable unprecedented speed in part production and novel designs. The goal is to provide U.S. troops with the most updated platforms and tools available, so they are prepared to face any situation, said NCMS.

Formed in 1986, NCMS credits its continued success to being an effective conduit for collaboration with world-class organizations that deliver solutions to enhance U.S manufacturing capability. Building on its extensive relationships with the U.S. Army, NCMS expands this connectivity to the Army Research Laboratory, the Army’s corporate laboratory.

“Our administration is pleased to see two years of planning and partnership come to fruition with this new manufacturing innovation center,” said Maryland Governor Larry Hogan. “This unique consortium —which brings significant opportunities to Harford County, Maryland, and the region—will rapidly accelerate manufacturing opportunities in our state, leading to more jobs and a stronger economy.”