YSU, YBI to Collaborate on Hybrid Manufacturing
YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio -- Youngstown State University and the Youngstown Business Incubator are collaborating to help manufacturers take advantage of precision metal parts fabricated by using additive manufacturing and conventional post-processing technologies, or hybrid manufacturing.
The collaboration builds on YSU and YBI’s recent success in securing funding to promote the use of additive manufacturing in the metal casting industry, said Barb Ewing, YBI's chief operating officer.
Hybrid manufacturing enables firms to rapidly produce metal parts that have the surface finish and precision that traditional processes offer. This eliminates the need for expensive fixtures and tooling, develops a readily deployable hybrid technique that partners can implement with little or no modifications to their existing capabilities, Ewing explained.
The project work plan includes demonstration of precision hybrid techniques; education and training on how to design parts to take advantage of additive manufacturing; selection of materials and machinery; cost-benefits analysis; and commercialization of precision-printed parts utilizing additive manufacturing.
The partnership will submit a proposal for funding to the Ohio Third Frontier Commission at the end of February, Ewing said.
Manufacturing firms interested in learning more about how metal printing can benefit their firms are encouraged to attend a meeting Feb. 14 set for 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at YBI. Reservations are required and can be made by emailing YBI.
Published by The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.
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