Clemson University students, faculty and staff can now learn and innovate using state-of-the-art 3D printing technology alongside General Electric (GE) engineers in the new Additive Manufacturing Lab at GE Power’s Advanced Manufacturing Works facility. Unveiled at a ceremony with leaders and constituents from GE and Clemson Wednesday, the 1,000-square-foot space is Clemson’s first additive manufacturing lab housed at a corporate partner’s site.

The lab is part of a strategic partnership between Clemson and GE that will accelerate innovations in additive manufacturing, provide expanded educational opportunities for Clemson undergraduate and graduate students and create a robust engineering talent pipeline for industry across the state.

“Our state is a leader in advanced manufacturing and Clemson will continue to be a valuable resource for our industry partners,” said Clemson President James P. Clements. “This state-of-the-art lab will provide our students with a unique, hands-on learning experience and better prepare them for the work force. I am grateful to GE for providing our students with this opportunity.”

The Clemson-run lab will be managed by the university’s Center for Advanced Manufacturing. It will feature three machines that print in both metal and industrial plastic, including a new GE Additive Concept Laser M2 Cusing direct metal laser melting (DMLM) machine. GE professionals will train students this spring on specific uses of additive manufacturing as well as optimized machine operations and post-processing techniques.This will provide them with skills and experience on cutting-edge technology used by industry leaders today.

“We know advanced manufacturing will continue transforming business around the globe and we’re leaders in the field,” said John Lammas, chief engineer and chief technology officer of GE Power. “By partnering with Clemson, a South Carolina top public institution, we will be able to train students from one of the country’s leading institutions to be the next generation of engineers, furthering their education and preparing them to move additive manufacturing forward.

Graduate students in the automotive engineering department will be the first to take advantage of this new lab. Through the Deep Orange program, Clemson students work with automotive manufacturers to engineer and build a car from concept to reality within two years. The Additive Manufacturing Lab will make it possible for students to design and create parts needed for the project more efficiently than before, producing breakthrough results not possible with traditional manufacturing.

This partnership was developed through Clemson’s Office of Corporate Partnerships and Strategic Initiatives. Other departments at Clemson are invited to work alongside students and GE engineers in the lab.