Advanced Manufacturing and Additive Manufacturing
The AMCODE Lab maintains research and educational infrastructure for additive manufacturing, composite manufacturing, robotic automation, aerospace systems design, and student-led design-build-test projects. Our facilities support work ranging from continuous fiber additive manufacturing and large-format composite tooling to automated composite repair, CubeSat development, and digital manufacturing workflows.
Enabling aerospace innovation through composites, additive manufacturing, and design engineering.
- Robotic large-format additive manufacturing.
- Continuous fiber 3D printing and print-head development.
- Pellet-based extrusion for composite tooling.
- Additive manufacturing process monitoring.
- Programmable logic controller integration.
- Industrial lab network development.
- Manufacturing data acquisition and automation.
Composite Manufacturing and Repair
The lab supports composite manufacturing, tooling, and repair research for aerospace structures. Facilities and project infrastructure support work in thermoplastic composites, induction welding, composite repair, vacuum infusion sensing, tooling development, and repair automation.
- Composite tooling design and fabrication.
- Thermoplastic composite joining and welding studies.
- Automated scarf repair and hard-patch repair workflows.
- Cold spray additive manufacturing for repair.
- Vitrimer patch repair research.
- Vacuum infusion sensing and process monitoring.
- Residual strength and damage-repair research workflows.
Robotics, Automation, and Digital Manufacturing
AMCODE develops automation workflows that connect hardware, sensing, data acquisition, and manufacturing process control. Lab activities include robotic manufacturing, contact-based tool-path mapping, industrial control systems, digital lab networks, and hybrid digital-twin development:
- Robot-assisted manufacturing and repair.
- Tool-path mapping for non-native or damaged workpieces.
- PLC-based equipment control.
- Manufacturing process data monitoring.
- Digital industrial lab network infrastructure.
- AI- and sensor-enabled manufacturing research.
Aerospace Systems and Student Design Infrastructure
The lab supports aerospace systems design, student research, and project-based engineering education. Facilities and infrastructure support aircraft design, CubeSat development, small-satellite ground-station work, and student design-build-test activities:
- CubeSat and small-satellite mission development.
- Ground-station development.
- Aerospace senior design and design-build-test projects.
- CATIA and aerospace design software support.
- Student workshops, demonstrations, and laboratory tours.
Fabrication and Prototyping Support
Mechanical design, fixture development, component fabrication, and prototype manufacturing. CNC machining, tooling design, robot framing, lab-part fabrication, and student-built research hardware.
- Tooling and fixture design.
- CNC-supported component fabrication.
- Prototype manufacturing for research systems.
- Laboratory automation hardware.
- Student-built aerospace and manufacturing test articles
Equipment details:
| Area | Equipment / Infrastructure | Research Use |
|---|---|---|
| Additive manufacturing |
| Continuous fiber AM, large-format tooling, process development |
| Composites | Drying ovens, infusion equipment, welding setup, ASTM test fixtures | Thermoplastic welding, repair, tooling, damage studies |
| Automation | KUKA Robots (KR6, 2x KR10, KR60) | Robotic manufacturing, repair automation, monitoring |
| Aerospace systems | SatNOGS ground station, CubeSat Cleanroom (TBD) | Student training, mission design, systems integration |
| Fabrication | CNC, hand tools, shop access, common hand tools and measuring tools | Fixtures, tooling, prototypes |