MPIF Launches University Outreach

The MPIF Industry Development Board (IDB) has launched a new University Outreach Program to promote metal powder technologies to future engineers. Recently, Stephen Madill, Nichols Portland Inc., and Stefan Joens, Elnik Systems, LLC took over the Design of Machine Elements class at the University of North Carolina, Charlotte. Over the past 8 years, hundreds of students have attended annual PowderMet & AMPM conferences thanks to grants from the National Science Foundation (NSF), Center for Powder Metallurgy Technology (CPMT), and MPIF reserves. However, through post-conference interviews it became apparent that the student grant recipients had a good understanding of metal additive manufacturing, but limited knowledge of other metal powder technologies like press & sinter, MIM, and isostatic pressing. The Outreach Program provides an opportunity to reach out to the students in their local educational environment and teach them that there are many ways to consolidate metal powders. IDB plans to take the Outreach Program to 4 universities during the Fall semester.