The Next Manufacturing Center leverages knowledge from across disciplines to develop an entirely new approach to AM: design optimization, materials selection and characterization, process parameter mapping, software development, final part inspection, and qualification. The center is developing tools for AM which impact a wide range of other advanced manufacturing processes. Making use of the innovative maker facilities of the college, the NextManufacturing Center will also educate and train the next generation of AM experts through creative, hands-on problem-solving.