Baylor School of Engineering and Computer Science to Collaborate with Strangpresse LLC on Large-Scale Deposition Research
Media Contact: Kate Amaya, director of communications and external relations for Baylor’s School of Engineering and Computer Science, 254-710-6826, or Kate_Amaya@baylor.edu
WACO, Texas (July 13, 2016) – Strangpresse LLC, a custom thermoplastic extruder manufacturer for the additive manufacturing industry, is contributing a Model 19 Thermoplastic Extruder to the department of mechanical engineering in Baylor University’s School of Engineering and Computer Science for use in research labs to study large-scale polymer deposition in the fused deposition modelling (FDM) additive manufacturing process.
“The Model 19 Thermoplastic Extruder is a state-of-the art polymer extruder designed specifically for large-scale FDM deposition,” said Douglas Smith, Ph.D., associate professor of mechanical engineering. “Baylor’s acquisition of this extruder establishes a collaboration between our laboratory and Strangpresse, helping to position us as a leader in large-scale deposition research.”
Large-scale polymer composites additive manufacturing (AM) using FDM is an emerging technology for fabricating large structures and products where part detail and complexity is enhanced without additional costs. As with all AM technologies, speed of production and material performance are critical to the manufacturing process. Short fiber composites and new extruder designs, such as that seen in Strangpresse’s Model 19, open up new possibilities for the manufacturing industry.
“The development of this technology has been swift. Unfortunately, basic research in the processing of materials has delayed the innovation process. Future success of this technology hinges on the developing research at Baylor University,” said Chuck George, Strangpresse CEO. “Researchers in the polymers and composites laboratories at Baylor offer unique capabilities in both simulation and experimentation that supports future innovation in large-scale polymer composite AM. We are excited to collaborate with Baylor University on the final stage of research and development in this area.”
Strangpresse LLC, a Hapco Inc. affiliate, based in Youngstown, Ohio, was founded in 2014. The company was formed to research, develop and commercialize fully controllable, lightweight, thermoplastic extruders to be used primarily in AM. Extruders with throughput ranging from seven to 53 kilos/hour, with total unit weights ranging from 25 to 61 kilos have been developed.
For more information on the collaboration between Strangpresse and the department of mechanical engineering, contact Kate Amaya, director of communications and external relations for Baylor’s School of Engineering and Computer Science, at 254-710-6826, or Kate_Amaya@baylor.edu.
ABOUT BAYLOR UNIVERSITY
Baylor University is a private Christian University and a nationally ranked research institution. The University provides a vibrant campus community for more than 16,000 students by blending interdisciplinary research with an international reputation for educational excellence and a faculty commitment to teaching and scholarship. Chartered in 1845 by the Republic of Texas through the efforts of Baptist pioneers, Baylor is the oldest continually operating University in Texas. Located in Waco, Baylor welcomes students from all 50 states and more than 80 countries to study a broad range of degrees among its 12 nationally recognized academic divisions.
ABOUT THE SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING AND COMPUTER SCIENCE
With more than 10 percent of Baylor University’s freshman class pursuing major courses of study in the School of Engineering and Computer Science (ECS), the focus remains on preparing graduates for professional practice and responsible leadership with a Christian world view. ECS majors include bioinformatics, computer science, electrical and computer engineering, general engineering, and mechanical engineering. Among ECS graduate programs are Master of Science degrees in biomedical engineering, computer science, electrical and computer engineering, and mechanical engineering, Ph.D. programs in computer science, electrical and computer engineering and mechanical engineering, and several dual degree programs. The Teal Residential College, in which engineering and computer science students and faculty live, fosters the pursuit of wisdom, academic excellence, and meaningful relationships for the development of diverse, innovative leaders.