That represents a potentially major leap forward for a company the size of Masterclock. “But the analysis conducted by S&T did show us that many forms of 3D printing have reached the point that there’s parity or better, on a per-part basis, with fabricated parts.”
“For most of our portfolio, it doesn’t make sense for an organization of our size to invest in the technology at this time,” Clark said. “But we didn’t have access to the resources required to do that.”ĭrawing on matching funds from an Economic Development Administration (EDA) grant, the analysis the Center for Advanced Manufacturing at S&T conducted on behalf of Masterclock was funded in part by the UM System Manufacturer Partnership. “We wanted to explore the potential of additive manufacturing,” Clark said. When the two met, the digital printing market was exploding with possibilities, and Clark, like many manufacturers, was trying to determine if 3D printing was a cost-effective alternative to purchasing parts from suppliers.
Offered through the University of Missouri Extension, the partnership provides Missouri manufacturers streamlined access to the expertise and resources of all four UM System universities. We’re taking a collaborative approach, taking the time to understand what manufacturers really need rather than just telling them what courses we plan to offer.” “Missouri S&T and the Missouri Protoplex are resources for these companies. “There’s lots of apprehension around advanced manufacturing because there’s a skills shortage in the workforce,” Billo said.
In addition to offering an opportunity for manufacturers to learn about new methods and technologies, Billo said the equipment housed in the Protoplex will help S&T students develop skills they’ll need when they join the workforce. In addition to providing space for equipment that will be available to manufacturers like Masterclock as well as S&T students and researchers, the facility will serve as a headquarters of sorts for the network Billo and others are building through partnerships with the Missouri Association of Manufacturers (MAM), the Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME) and community colleges and tech schools across the state.
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