Additive Manufacturing
Researchers at the Illinois Manufacturing Institute are developing new capabilities for 3D manufacturing, such as geometry and print-path optimization. With an emphasis on materials science, process-property relationships, and quality control, the objective is to address the challenges of producing repeatable, defect-free 3D parts. The efforts also include exploring new materials and processes, as well as understanding and validating methods to develop better materials for a wide variety of industrial and defense applications.
Manufacturing Without Limits
Our teams are developing novel metal alloys, engineered materials, and computational design tools that reduce development cycles and accelerate the translation of concepts to production. We investigate additive manufacturing across scales, from large-format metal deposition to microscale fabrication, producing outcomes with tangible impact in aerospace, automotive, and medical technologies.
To ensure process reliability and product quality, we employ integrated computer vision, real-time monitoring, and automated metrology, enabling early detection of defects and verification of part accuracy. Coupled with robotics and smart factory systems, these approaches provide consistency, efficiency, and trustworthiness throughout the manufacturing workflow.
Our research demonstrates how advanced processes reduce material waste, shorten production timelines, and enable complex geometries unattainable with conventional methods. From structurally optimized aerospace components to customized medical devices, our work exemplifies the potential of additive manufacturing to reshape the landscape of industrial production.