Somerset Community College Offers Metal AM Technology Training

Somerset Community College (SCC) has become the first institution in the Kentucky Community and Technical College System to add metal additive manufacturing (AM) to its advanced manufacturing capabilities. SCC says it is a leader in workforce development and in AM, and also the first institution of higher education in Kentucky to offer a technician certificate in 3D printing.

SCC says this field is important to the state’s future economic growth as aerospace, automotive, medical and other industries are increasingly adopting metal AM for production applications. Aircraft and automotive parts rank as Kentucky’s two most economically important exports.

SCC selected the OpenAdditive Panda laser powder-bed fusion system from Universal Technology Corporation for its training and education needs. The Panda system is said to offer openness in design and operation to enhance instructor and student experience in understanding the laser melting additive process.

The system was installed only a few months after order, and included processing parameters and powder feedstock for printing in tool steel, stainless steel and other metals. Peripherals included powder recycling and disposal equipment, postprocessing equipment and onsite training, as an integrated solution for metal AM education.