November 5, 2015
Metal machine installation. Personal protection equipment. More than 5,700 gallons of liquid nitrogen. Network and power taps. These are just a few of the numerous items Ed Tackett, director of educational programs at the UL Additive Manufacturing Competency Center (AMCC), is managing as the facility moves closer to its debut during the week of December 7.
“The UL AMCC,” Tackett explained, “is a first of its kind, world-class additive manufacturing (AM) learning center. We’re bringing together leading-edge safety, technology, processes, and equipment in an immersive, hands-on training experience.”
Tackett should know. With more than 20 years in AM industry, he has led UC Irvine’s RapidTech Center and held previous positions with the South Orange County (California) Community College District, San Diego Community College District and the United States Navy.
The UL AMCC is located in the J.B. Speed School of Engineering’s Institute for Product Realization at the University of Louisville. Training initially will focus on metals, with a curriculum covering design, build set up, machine operations, parts production, inspection, testing, and safety. The facility will open with two metals machines – an EOS M290 and a 3D Systems ProX 300 – but will expand to include two additional metals machines, along with a material extrusion machine and a polymer powder bed fusion machine in 2016.
The facility’s first course – Advanced Training on Metal Part Production – is a five-day session that kicks-off on Monday, Dec. 7. Course size will be limited to ensure maximum interaction with the technology, Tackett and other students. Courses are designed for experienced AM engineers, technicians, and business professionals.
“We expect students to immediately apply learnings to their own facility and operations,” Tackett continued. “I hope they’re as excited as I am.”
Registration is currently open for the UL AMCC’s Advanced Training on Metal Part Production during the week of Dec. 7. For more details and to begin registration, please visit the course description page.
To learn more about UL’s AM Training Program and to view the 2016 training schedule, please visit www.UL.com/3DPTraining.