In July 2021, UNC Charlotte was awarded a $1,250,000 grant by The University of North Carolina System Research Opportunities Initiative (ROI)* program to establish a Center for Additive Manufacturing of Advanced Ceramics (CAMAC). Based at UNC Charlotte, CAMAC brings together UNC System researchers, industry and government laboratories with the goal of driving innovation within the ceramics additive manufacturing (AM) process chain. The scope of the CAMAC includes three main AM pillars; 1) materials for ceramic AM, 2) advancing processing capabilities, and 3) enhancing post processing. Both existing and new resources will be utilized to enhance ceramic AM research infrastructure and to build a strong vibrant ceramic AM community.

Planned activities include

• Seed funding to initiate research projects and promote new collaborations
• Bi-annual meetings convening the community providing research updates and CAMAC updates.
• Equipment procurement (stereolithography printer, furnaces, etc.)
• Travel grants to engage with industry and promote collaboration

Opportunities provided by engaging with CAMAC

• Access to a community of ceramic AM researchers and industry partners
• Keep informed of industry trends and needs via the bi-annual meetings
• The potential to initiate new research topics aligned with your interests
• Access to graduate students versed in ceramic AM and associated technology needs

* https://www.northcarolina.edu/news/unc-system-awards-three-roi-grants-for-2022-24/