Originally uploaded October 29th, re-edited Nov. 26th.
Chris Holman welcomes Tom Kelly, President & CEO, Automation Alley, Troy, MI.

Chris had several things he wanted to catch up on with Tom:
Q. Before we get started, can you remind our listeners what Project DIAMOnD is?

Project DIAMOnD –which stands for distributed, independent, agile manufacturing on demand – is an initiative powered by Automation Alley and funded by Oakland County, Michigan.

Project DIAMOnD was developed in October 2020 to accelerate digital transformation among Michigan manufacturers. In Phase I of the program, which was funded by $10 million from Oakland County and $2 million from Macomb County, Automation Alley distributed 300 3D printers to small- and mid-size manufacturers at no cost, provided workforce training, and networked the printers to be used to fulfill emergency orders at scale.

In 2021, the network concept was validated, as it printed and shipped 8,000 tourniquet parts to fulfill a request from the Ukrainian Defense Ministry. The parts allowed for the assembling of more than 2,600 tourniquets to help those in need of medical assistance during the Russian assault on Ukraine.

Q: Project DIAMOnD recently opened a Digital Transformation Center in Auburn Hills. Can you tell us more about this?

Of course! It provides companies access to industrial 3D printing equipment, training and support. The new Digital Transformation Center (DTC) is supported by Geofabrica, an Auburn Hills, Michigan business that specializes in the development of custom 3D printing systems and processes for industrial applications. Through the DTC, Project DIAMOnD companies will have access to additive manufacturing courses, a team of experts, and access to additional 3D printers to test and make products.

Q: Wow, so this center is really helping to transform the region and state into a magnet for advanced manufacturing and training. What can companies learn at this center?

At the Digital Transformation Center, Project DIAMOnD participants will learn how to transform their businesses from a capital and process-based mindset to a design and intellectual property mindset facilitated by 3D printing. This encompasses having an opportunity to launch and validate products before investing in industrial additive manufacturing equipment. They will also retain access to 3D print and post-process products, without the burden of owning and operating complex equipment.

Q: What else does the DTC provide?
Beyond 3D printing equipment, the DTC will provide access to industrial 3D scanners and advanced modeling and measurement software. Companies will also be able to upload and order parts through the DTC.

Q: What companies are eligible to use the center? How can companies get involved in Project DIAMOnD?

At this time, Project DIAMOnD is open exclusively to small- and medium-sized companies located in Oakland County. However, if you're outside Oakland County, don't hesitate to apply! We're keen to gauge interest and may expand the program to your area in the future.

Don't Miss Out on the Future of Manufacturing! Sign Up Now for Exclusive Access to:
· State-of-the-Art 3D Printing Technology.
· Comprehensive Training Programs Tailored to Your Needs.
· Instant Connection to Our Vast Network of Industry Leaders.
To learn more about Project DIAMOnD, or if you are a small- or medium-sized manufacturer interested in joining the program, visit projectdiamond.org

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