Manufacturers Edge launches series of workshops to attract emerging technologies

Manufacturers Edge, the statewide manufacturing assistance center partially funded by the NIST Manufacturing Extension Partnership, begins a series of workshops this week designed to highlight emerging technologies in Colorado’s manufacturing sector.

The first workshop, scheduled for Thursday, March 29, will focus on metal additive manufacturing. Called “Building a Business Case for Additive,” is presented in cooperation with Manufacturer’s Edge, H2 Manufacturing Solutions, the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade, and GE Additive.

The 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. session at Geotech Environmental Equipment, 2650 E. 4th Ave. in Denver, is free and lunch will be provided. It will be followed by a 5 to 7 p.m. free networking event.

Part of the session will focus on quantifying the economic opportunity of the technology. The session will be led by consultants from AddWorks, GE Additive’s in-house design consulting group, who helped design the fuel nozzle and advanced turboprop, both of which are certified by the Federal Aviation Association. The team says the re-engineered parts gained significant weight savings, part count reduction, and better performance.

“Additive manufacturing is fundamentally changing how manufacturing is done, but what often stops organizations from starting their additive journey is a fear of the unknown and understanding what the payback is going to be,” says Heidi Hostetter, vice president of Faustson Tool, associated with Manufacturers Edge.

Manufacturer’s Edge encourages the strength and competitiveness of Colorado manufacturers through on-site technical assistance including coaching, training, consulting, and collaboration-focused industry programs. It was created by leveraging government, university, and economic development partnerships.