The University of Michigan and the National Science Foundation will jointly participate in the replacement of facilities for an interdisciplinary program in manufacturing research. NSF support will help establish a new Integrated Machining Systems Laboratory in the Dow Building. The project is designed to promote new innovations in all aspects of machining systems, including machine design, process design and planning, tooling, system design and integration, computer control architectures, information networks, and measurement and control systems. These efforts are interdisciplinary in nature and will be facilitated through proximity of engineers, scientists and students in renovated space. The machine tool industry is the backbone for all durable goods manufacturing, including the production of automobiles, airplanes, farm machinery and construction equipment. Just a decade ago, the U.S. was the world leader in the machine tool industry; today it is ranked fourth. To regain its competitive position, the U.S. machine tool industry needs to rely on technological innovations and a well-trained workforce. NSF-sponsored renovations will include installation of increased electrical power, and computer networks with fiber optic cabling to support the integrative machining system. In addition, modifications will be necessary to reconfigure some of the space and to increase the HVAC capability.
