NASA grants $5.2mn contract to Auburn’s National Centre for 3D printing

NASA has awarded a $5.2mn contract to Auburn University’s Samuel Ginn College of Engineering for Auburn’s National Centre for Additive Manufacturing Excellence, according to The Plainsman.

As part of the three-year contract, the expansion will allow the long-standing partnership between Auburn and NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Centre to continue to develop.

Mike Ogles, director of NASA programmes in the College of Engineering, set to serve as project manager, commented: “This contract is a giant leap toward making Alabama the go-to state for additive manufacturing. We look forward to growing our partnership with NASA, industry and academia as we support the development of our nation's next rocket engines.”

SEE ALSO:

• Markforged accelerates industrial 3D printing ambitions in a new $82mn funding round

• Safran set to open $76mn 3D printing facility in Bordeaux

• Desktop Metal: embracing innovation with 3D printing

• Read the latest issue of Manufacturing Global here!

It is anticipated that the contract will aim to enhance additive manufacturing processes and techniques in order to improve the development of liquid-rocket engines.

Christopher Roberts, head of Auburn's Samuel Ginn College of Engineering, said: “For decades, Auburn engineers have been instrumental in helping the U.S, achieve its space-exploration goals. This new collaboration between NASA and our additive-manufacturing researchers will play a major role in developing advanced rockets that will drive long-duration space flight, helping our nation achieve its bold vision for the future of space.”