Boeing, EOS Electro Optical Systems Evonik Industries, and MCP HEK Tooling have joined with the University of Paderborn  to form the Direct Manufacturing Research Center (DMRC), which will further the development of direct manufacturing processes and systems. The DMRC is scheduled to open in fall 2008.

“Direct manufacturing offers the potential of significantly reducing parts production costs, as well as enhancing the ability to fabricate more complex and more functional component parts,” Jeff DeGrange, chairman of the board of the DMRC consortium and Senior Manager of Direct Digital Manufacturing at Boeing Phantom Works said.

The DMRC will be located at the German University of Paderborn and builds on the University’s competencies in mechanical engineering, i.e. mechanics, lightweight construction, particle technology, polymer technology, and mechatronics, and in chemistry — polymer materials, interface processes — as well as computer sciences. “We are very pleased to be part of this consortium. It will provide our students, faculties and staff members with an opportunity to learn about the newest generation of direct manufacturing technology and to contribute our competencies in this field,” Professor Dr. Nikolaus Risch, president of the University of Paderborn said.

Source: American Machinist