Northwestern University Robert R. McCormick School of Engineering and Applied Science

Advanced Manufacturing Processes Laboratory

AAA&S is one of the nation’s most prestigious honorary societiesRujing Zha earns prestigious fellowshipCao & partners secure NSF Engineering Research CenterDeep Neural Networks in Additive ManufacturingCao honored for contributions to pioneering a flexible sheet forming system and leadership in manufacturing

AAA&S is one of the nation’s most prestigious honorary societies

The academy was founded in 1780 by John Adams, James Bowdoin and others who believed the new republic should honor exceptionally accomplished individuals and engage them in advancing the public good.

Rujing Zha earns prestigious fellowship

The NSF GRFP selects recipients who achieve high levels of success in their future academic and professional careers.

Cao & partners secure NSF Engineering Research Center

A large multi-institutional collaboration including Northwestern received $26 million from the NSF for new advanced manufacturing research center

Deep Neural Networks in Additive Manufacturing

AMPL in collaboration with CUCIS has developed a deep Recurrent Neural Network (RNN) structure to accurately predict AM thermal properties with high temporal and spatial resolutions.

The Advanced Manufacturing Processes Lab (AMPL) develops computer-integrated systems for innovative manufacturing processes, including subtractive, deformation-based, and additive processes. These systems are established based on the fundamental understanding of the multi-physics of material deformation behavior during the process, combined with cost-effective simulation tools, intelligent design algorithms and the implementation of advanced control theories. These open-architecture systems aim at reducing development time, providing manufacturing flexibility, increasing material manufacturability, and reducing manufacturing cost. They are excellent platforms for R&D in innovative manufacturing processes, cyber-physical system integration, the Internet of Things, and cybersecurity.

Through our research platform, we provide an excellent training ground for our undergraduate and graduate students, and postdoctoral fellows to advance their critical thinking skills, to gain independent research capabilities, to build-up collaborative team-work experience and to become responsible citizens.