New SLU Center Is a One-stop Shop for 3D-printing Resources

06/07/2021

Saint Louis University has a new solution for companies and individuals looking for customized machine parts, product prototypes and other specialized materials.

The new Center for Additive Manufacturing at Saint Louis University (SLU-CAM) makes large-scale, professional-quality 3D printing, also known as additive manufacturing, accessible for students, researchers and the regional business community. Made possible through a grant from the Saint Louis University Research Institute, SLU-CAM aims to advance innovation across a wide range of diverse disciplines and serve as a regional resource.

University President Fred P. Pestello, Ph.D., at the new Center for Additive Manufacturing at Saint Louis University. Pictured from left to right are: Michael Borovik, Vasit Sagan, Kenneth Olliff, Andrew Hall, Pestello, Andre Castiaux, Scott Martin and Scott Sell. Photo by Carrie Bebermeyer.

SLU-CAM provides accessible, turn-key services to manufacturers and partners by connecting users with the expertise and resources needed to implement additive technologies in their product-development and manufacturing workflow. SLU-CAM’s expert faculty and staff also provide assistance and guidance to researchers and students in need of 3D-printing and computer-aided-design support.

“From creating user-specific N95 facemasks and no-longer-manufactured machine parts to developing new prototypes and fixturing, the potential for additive manufacturing is virtually limitless,” said Andrew Hall, D.Sc., director of the Saint Louis University Center for Additive Manufacturing. “What once took weeks to create, we can produce in a matter of hours at a fraction of the cost. This is a potential game-changer for many regional manufacturers that have the need for this kind of technology, but don’t have the time, money or expertise to access or to implement it within their businesses. SLU-CAM fills that gap, and we’re proud to support our local business community and entrepreneurs in this unique way.”

SLU-CAM’s large-scale 3D-printing function is one of the most expansive of its kind in the St. Louis region. The center’s capabilities include creating objects of various strengths, sizes, colors and materials for use in engineering, manufacturing, chemistry, and even art. SLU-CAM staff members are available to provide consulting services, technical support and guidance on 3D printing and computer-aided design to researchers, manufacturers and other center users.

Pestello (middle) admires a 3D model of SLU's College Church at SLU-CAM. Photo by Carrie Bebermeyer.

“As additive manufacturing continues to grow globally, it is transforming fields like engineering and manufacturing as well as providing opportunities to solve some of society’s greatest challenges,” said Fred P. Pestello, Ph.D., president of Saint Louis University. “With SLU-CAM, Saint Louis University once again positions itself as a leader in an innovative new field and reinforces its reputation as a global Jesuit university.”

SLU-CAM was formalized through an internal Big Ideas competition sponsored by the SLU Research Institute to define university-wide strategic research priorities. The new center is among several projects supported by the institute. For more information about SLU-CAM and partnership opportunities, to book a meeting or to support SLU-CAM’s work through a donation, call 314-977-7770 or visit the center’s website at slu.edu/slu-cam.

Saint Louis University Research Institute

The Saint Louis University Research Institute advances the university’s ambition to become a preeminent center for basic and applied research. Established in 2018 through a generous gift from Dr. Jeanne and Rex Sinquefield, the institute provides critical funding to support outstanding researchers whose interests and areas of study span the university. The institute strives to become a national and international model for promoting teaching, learning and research that exemplifies discovery, transformative outcomes and engaged citizenship in a global society. For more information, visit https://www.slu.edu/research/research-institute/about.php.

Saint Louis University

Founded in 1818, Saint Louis University is one of the nation’s oldest and most prestigious Catholic institutions. Rooted in Jesuit values and its pioneering history as the first university west of the Mississippi River, SLU offers more than 12,000 students a rigorous, transformative education of the whole person. At the core of the University’s diverse community of scholars is SLU’s service-focused mission, which challenges and prepares students to make the world a better, more just place.