UMD opens high tech prototype center at NRRI

General Pattern President Denny Reiland (left) and NRRI centre director Don Fosnacht talk about geographical applications of the rapid prototype technology.

DULUTH, MINN. - It's almost futuristic, but perhaps we're there. A computer drawing is downloaded to a machine and out comes a real, 3-D rendering of that drawing-every angle precise, every detail intact. It could be a precise model of a new airplane part to examine for fit and function before going into production. It could be a model of geological ore deposits, or the representation of an artist's imagination. The excitement lies in the technology's limitless possibilities.

This is laser technology rapid prototyping, incorporating computer-aided methods for designing and producing prototypes and limited run manufactured parts. And now this capability is in Duluth.

A unique partnership has been forged between the University of Minnesota Duluth and General Pattern - a Twin Cities-based prototype, tooling and manufacturing business - to open the Northern Lights Technology Center at UMD's Natural Resources Research Institute (NRRI). The collaborative effort will blend the University's scientific research and testing capabilities, as well as expand learning opportunities for students in science, engineering and technology. At the same time, the Northern Lights Technology Center will provide valuable rapid prototyping services to regional businesses. The Center opened its doors May 29th with enthusiastic comments from UMD Vice Chancellor Greg Fox and Duluth Mayor Gary Doty.

The center will house machines offering three options for rapid prototyping. Stereolithography machine uses laser technology to heat epoxy and acrylic resins that build up any imaginable shape with computer-driven precision. The Selective Laser Sintering process also precisely forms 3-D shapes, but with plastic or metal powder. The Solid Inkjet Printer technology is even faster than the other two processes and uses cornstarch, plaster or ceramic-based raw materials. NRRI received $776,400 of matching funds from the Economic Development Administration to purchase the equipment. Because of the centre, NRRI was also able to acquire two other rapid prototyping machines - a Stratasys that builds up models with micro-thin layers of plastic, and a CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machine that makes shapes the standard way, by subtractive shaping.

Partnering with General Pattern gives NRRI another venue for promoting economic development in Minnesota. The ability to make parts and prototypes faster than ever before is an attractive lure for businesses that regularly change their designs, and to industries needing machine replacement parts no longer available.

"Since 1983, NRRI's focus has been growing and strengthening Minnesota's economy by providing the research and assistance companies need to face global competition," said NRRI Director Mike Lalich. "This partnership gives us a new tool for our toolbelt to share with the business community and the University."

General Pattern President Denny Reiland's grandfather started the business in 1922, making tooling patterns for the foundry industry. Reiland's philosophy of keeping pace with the newest technologies has kept the company on the cutting-edge of the prototype industry. General Pattern is headquartered in Blaine, Minn. with production facilities in Ham Lake, Minn., and Dearborn, Mich. It also operates two international engineering and production facilities, one in the United Kingdom and one in Germany. The company has approximately 200 employees.

"I'm proud to have General Pattern welcomed into the Duluth community through this new Center," said Reiland. "As a fast-paced and growing business, we see great opportunities ahead through this alliance with the University and the hard-working, well-educated workforce this area provides."

NRRI's mission is to foster the economic development of Minnesota's natural resources in an environmentally sound manner to promote private sector employment.