USA to Renovate Science Building, Purchase 3D Printers

The University of South Alabama (USA) has announced an expansion of research capabilities with additional 3D printers and renovation of laboratory space with a $644,045 Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act Recovery Assistance grant, plus $161,011 from the university. The Science Laboratory Building will be renovated, and several mid-range 3D printers, including a metal printer and several smaller printers, will be purchased. The project was made possible by regional planning efforts led by the South Alabama Regional Planning Commission and was supported by numerous local companies including Arkema, Airbus, Austal USA, Continental and Evonik. USA plans for its students to benefit from being trained on some of the latest equipment and software for additive manufacturing, and collaborations with local industry is to provide support for prototyping objects to inspect before production. “The additional technology and renovated lab space will greatly benefit researchers university-wide,” it added.