The Center for Aerospace Manufacturing Technologies (CAMT) at the University of Missouri-Rolla is creating a new consortium with the goal of transferring technology to the U.S. aerospace industry.

Since its establishment in 2003, CAMT has developed advanced manufacturing technology for the Air Force and the aerospace industry. The center’s 27 interdisciplinary research teams have had successful projects in 10 technology areas, including high-speed machining, rapid prototyping, laser materials processing, non-destructive evaluation and composites manufacturing.

“Realizing the value and importance of CAMT to the entire U.S. aerospace industry, we have decided to establish a CAMT Industrial Consortium, so that CAMT can benefit all members of this consortium and its future research and development activities can be directed by the consortium members,” says Dr. Ming Leu, CAMT director and the Keith and Pat Bailey Missouri Distinguished Professor of Integrated Product Manufacturing in UMR’s department of mechanical and aerospace engineering.

CAMT spelled out the following benefits to consortium members:

• Early involvement and influence on emerging technology
• Association with top industry and university technologists in a collaborative environment
• Leverage from past government investment, from shared costs by other members, and from ongoing government investment
• Access to a pool of outstanding graduating researchers who are already skilled and experienced with research equipment and techniques
• Access to university facilities and programs such as distance learning

CAMT is holding an informational meeting for potential members on Oct. 23-24 at UMR. Membership is open to U.S. companies, non-profit industry groups, government agencies and national laboratories. The meetings will include briefings on manufacturing research and development needs for the aerospace industry and CAMT project activities that are addressing some of these needs; tours of the major research equipment and laboratories affiliated with CAMT; and details of membership fees, benefits and organizational structure.

To register or to obtain additional information, contact Tim Comerford, CAMT assistant director, at 573-341-6886 or timc@mst.edu.