Aggregates Manager Digital Magazine
Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/742224
AGGREGATES MANAGER / November 2016 35 3D PRINTWORKS PROJECT AME MAIN ENTRANCE WHAT'S NEXT: JOB SITE WHAT'S NEXT: INFRASTRUCTURE DRONE AVIARY TECH TALKS OUTDOOR CAFE WHAT'S NEXT: WORKFORCE INFRASTRUCTURE VISION 2050 CHALLENGE Industry and education team to create 3D-printed excavator ConExpo-Con/Agg is teaming up with a group of students and engineers to display the world's fi rst 3D-printed excavator. The display will show the fi rst large scale use of steel in 3D print- ing, also known as additive manufacturing. The excavator project is a collaboration between the Association of Equipment Manufac- turers (AEM), National Fluid Power Association (NFPA), the Center for Compact and Effi cient Fluid Power (CCEFP), Oak Ridge National Laboratory, and the National Science Foundation. The group is working with engineers and researchers at Georgia Tech and the University of Minnesota to convert current excavator designs into one that is conducive to 3D printing. The Georgia Tech students are developing the boom and bucket for the excavator, while the team in Minne- sota is designing a hydraulic oil reservoir, heat exchanger, and cooling system that will be integrated into the fabrication of the machine. Additionally, the group is inviting students from around the country to submit designs for the cab of the excavator. The 3D-printed excavator will be on display within the Maker Beta Lab portion of the Tech Experience.