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Exciting Updates at the America Makes Innovation Factory Deliver Increased Value to Members!

September 21, 2017 | Categories: America Makes News

America Makes is excited to announce a newly forming partnership with Youngstown State University (YSU) that will increase availability of America Makes Innovation Factory resources, expand utilization options for both America Makes members and non-members, and further expose students to available Additive Manufacturing (AM) and 3D Printing (3DP) processes. This new partnership is further enhanced and supported by the strong relationship both organizations have with the Youngstown Business Incubator (YBI) and their expanding commitment to AM and 3DP processes and supporting technologies.

America Makes and YSU are establishing a comprehensive Innovation Factory Management Strategy intended to expand available resources of the America Makes Innovation Factory to include the broad spectrum of 3D printing assets available at both YBI and YSU. In addition, the strategy establishes of an overall management system for machine maintenance, scheduling, and equipment training. Both organizations are committed to implementing this Innovation Factory management system and are looking forward to offering increased value to America Makes members and manufacturers nationwide.

As the first partnership initiative, the America Makes Innovation Factory Fellowship Program is being established. YSU doctoral candidate Christopher Barrett will be the first America Makes Innovation Factory Fellow. In this role he is responsible for the maintenance and implementation of machine operations across multiple AM and 3DP technologies throughout the region. In addition, Chris will be responsible for leading educational tours, equipment operations and asset utilization.

Chris brings a diverse materials and additive technology background to the team with more than two years of Additive Manufacturing Technology and Operations experience, as well  as experience in materials development. He earned a B.Sc. in Chemistry from Bob Jones University, a M.S. in Analytical Chemistry from the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs, and is currently completing his Ph.D. in Material Science and Engineering at Youngstown State University.