Automation Alley officials joined Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter Sept. 10 to unveil the Project DIAMOnD Geofabrica/Digital Transformation Center (DTC) in Auburn Hills.
Project DIAMOnD is a 3-D printing initiative facilitated by Automation Alley in Troy and funded through Oakland County. The Digital Transformation Center provides participating companies access to additional industrial 3-D printing equipment, training, and support, in addition to the 3-D printer they receive when they join the program.
Through the DTC, Project DIAMOnD companies will have access to additive manufacturing courses, a team of experts, and access to additional 3-D printers to test and make products.
“At the Digital Transformation Center, Project DIAMOnD participants will learn how to transform their businesses from a capital and process-based mindset to a design and intellectual property mindset facilitated by 3-D printing. This encompasses having an opportunity to launch and validate products before investing in industrial additive manufacturing equipment,” says Pavan Muzumdar, CEO of Project DIAMOnD and COO of Automation Alley.
“They will also retain access to 3-D print and post-process products, without the burden of owning and operating complex equipment.”
Beyond 3-D printing equipment, the DTC will provide access to industrial 3-D scanners and advanced modeling and measurement software. Companies also will be able to upload and order parts through the DTC.
“Project DIAMOnD has already provided more than 300 companies with the 3D printers that have allowed them to become more competitive in a global marketplace,” says Coultrer. “And the Digital Transformation Center builds on the success that is helping transform the region and state into a magnet for advanced manufacturing and training.”
At the center, Project DIAMOnD participants receive training both on the factory floor and in the classroom. The climate-controlled facility is equipped with high-end nylon and metal 3-D printers as well as de-powdering and vapor smoothing equipment.
Project DIAMOnD was established in October 2020 by Oakland County and Automation Alley through a CARES Act grants of $10 million from Oakland County. Macomb County added $2 million to allow the network to expand to Macomb County businesses.
The program originally was designed to accelerate digital transformation among Michigan manufacturers and strengthen supply chains for producing PPE during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Since then, participating manufacturers have used the 3-D printers, supplied by Markforged Inc., to expand their production of various industrial parts and products, ultimately enhancing Industry 4.0 manufacturing capabilities in Michigan and throughout the United States.
For more information, visit projectdiamond.org.
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