SOMERSET, Ky. — Somerset Community College (SCC) has become the first college in the Kentucky Community and Technical College System to add metal additive manufacturing to its advanced manufacturing capabilities. SCC is a leader in workforce development and in additive manufacturing/3D printing, also the first institution of higher education in Kentucky to offer a technician certificate in 3D printing.
This field is vital to the state’s future economic growth as aerospace, automotive, medical, and other industries are increasingly adopting metal additive manufacturing for production applications. Noting that aircraft and automotive parts are 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. At an affordable price point, the PANDA system offers 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 ordering, and included processing parameters and powder feedstock for printing in tool steel, stainless steel, and other metals. Peripherals included powder recycling and disposal equipment, post-processing equipment, and onsite training, as an integrated solution for metal AM education.
For more information on SCC’s Additive Manufacturing program, please visit www.Somerset.kctcs.edu/3dprinting.
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