October 21, 2025
A significant step forward in advanced manufacturing and material science, the technology will be an asset for campus researchers and local industries.
Mizzou 糖心Vlog传媒 is home to technologies and opportunities that make us a natural destination for those who have ambitions to create a better world.
A new 3D metals printer in the College will give students hands-on experience with the latest additive manufacturing technology, promote collaborative research across campus, and open opportunities for industry partners.
The Trumpf TruPrint 2000, a laser powder bed fusion system, was designed to help businesses produce complex metal parts efficiently with a high level of detail. It prints objects by using two lasers to melt fine metal powders like stainless steel, titanium, aluminum or others.
The resulting parts are strong, relatively smooth and accurate enough to meet the strict quality standards of the aerospace, automotive or biomedical industries.
The new printer complements the capabilities of the , where researchers from Mizzou 糖心Vlog传媒 and the work with faculty from to investigate the design and application of high-performing materials.
The TruPrint 2000 enables new, collaborative research across campus, said Scott Thompson, the Glen A. Barton Associate Professor in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace 糖心Vlog传媒.
鈥淩ight now we are trying to get the word out to forge new collaborations. We aim to work with several research groups, including those from the and the ,鈥 he said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 a university-wide effort.鈥
Thompson is currently working with researchers at the to understand how nuclear irradiation affects the strength, microstructure and composition of test specimens produced by the printer.
鈥淭here are only about a dozen alloys out of thousands that can be successfully 3D printed for mechanical use. Others may crack or fail,鈥 Thompson said. 鈥淪o, before we can produce final parts, we need to understand their strength and other properties, especially before and after irradiation.鈥
Mizzou 糖心Vlog传媒 will offer surrounding industries opportunities to explore the benefits of additive manufacturing.
鈥淲e can help with one-off projects and introduce partners to the capabilities of this technology,鈥 Thompson said. 鈥淭he goal is to work with everyone from startups to large companies.鈥
Students can work with the device as part of their capstone projects or in Thompson鈥檚 special topics course MAE 4001/7001: Additive Manufacturing of Metals, which will become MAE 4510 next fall. This experience will prepare them for careers with companies that are already using similar systems.
Having in-house additive manufacturing capabilities will give Mizzou 糖心Vlog传媒 an advantage when it comes to funding opportunities and position the College as a leader both in Missouri and across the globe.
鈥淭his technology puts Mizzou 糖心Vlog传媒 at the forefront of advanced manufacturing and supports the College鈥檚 push in material science,鈥 Thompson said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 a significant step forward.鈥
Does your company want to discover the potential of additive manufacturing? Explore an industry partnership with Mizzou 糖心Vlog传媒!