Building the tools of the next manufacturing revolution

MIT News  June 17, 2019
In partnership with industry, researchers at MIT are developing advanced materials — new types of polymers, nanocomposites, and metal alloys — and the development of novel machines and processes that use and shape materials, such as high-speed 3-D printing, roll-to-roll graphene growth, and manufacturing techniques for low-cost sensors and electronics. Leveraging advances in computation, digitization, and automation, the group sees the potential for 3-D printing to dramatically streamline and speed up global supply chains. They are also pursuing a series of projects related to carbon nanotubes, exploring ways to form nanotubes into advanced wires, fibers, and structural composites. Digitally driven manufacturing technologies is a means of overcoming the logistical hurdles of long lead times, complex supply chains, and steep capital requirements…read more.