Skip to main content Arrow right
  • Info

    Beginning July 2023, Vermont Tech will be part of Vermont State University. VermontState.edu For the latest information, please click here

Vermont tech Vermont tech
  • Arrow down Learn More
    • Advanced Manufacturing Arrow right
    • Capabilities Arrow right
    • Resources Arrow right
  • Arrow down About Us
    • Services Arrow right
    • Capabilities Arrow right
    • Hand holding recently machined tool
      Team Arrow right
  • Arrow down Contact Us
    • Hand holding recently machined tool
      Contact VTMC Arrow right
    • Barry Hulce
      Team Members Arrow right
VTC
    • Advanced Manufacturing Arrow right
    • Capabilities Arrow right
    • Resources Arrow right
    • Services Arrow right
    • Capabilities Arrow right
    • Hand holding recently machined tool
      Team Arrow right
    • Hand holding recently machined tool
      Contact VTMC Arrow right
    • Barry Hulce
      Team Members Arrow right
VTC
  1. Home
  2. Advanced Manufacturing

Advanced Manufacturing

  • Capabilities
  • Services
  • About Us
  • Advanced Manufacturing
  • Team
  • Resources
  • Contact VTMC

When we refer to Advanced Manufacturing we are describing a wide range of technologies and digital infrastructure.

Industry 4.0 refers to technologies applicable to help manufacturing across a variety of industries. The first industrial revolution was using steam and water to power machines. The 2nd was a technological revolution involving the electrification of machinery and Henry Ford’s assembly line. The 3rd was the digital revolution that happened after WWII with the use of computers and programming of machines. The 4th industrial revolution involves advanced manufacturing and digital technologies connecting parts of manufacturing to form a system.​

Examples of advanced manufacturing include:​

  • Additive Manufacturing (or what’s commonly referred to as 3D Printing)
    • Metal and plastics products built by layering a series of thin material or materials​
    • In the case of metals, the layers are built by depositing and fusing metal power​ to form the part
    • Contrast with traditional – subtractive process where parts are manufactured by removing material from blocks or cylinders​
  • Collaborative robotics (or Cobots) – Where robotics take the place of boring, repetitive or dangerous work and work collaboratively with people. An example is where a Cobot lifts heavy parts and positions them for the operator to make their job better, faster and safer.​
  • Augmented Reality – We see augmented reality in video gaming and wearable technology in real life. We are now using this technology for facility virtual tours, machine interfaces for equipment operation training and use, and equipment maintenance instruction.
  • Wearable sensors, Data analytics, IoT Devices – Tracking and using data to inform business decisions
  • Cybersecurity  – Whether it’s CAD,  Computer Aided Design files or data streaming from a machine to the cloud, there’s a lot of data flowing and we need to protect its integrity and access

Why Use Additive Manufacturing?

Key Advantages to Additive Manufacturing:

  • Weight reduction of parts (light weighting)
  • “Free Complexity” – Part complexity is not a cost or manufacturing constraint
  • Structure change though generative or optimized design
  • Typically, no tooling or fixtures needed to make the part
  • Minimize waste
  • Variety of additive polymers and metals are available
  • Prototyping – rapid design and iteration​
  • Manufacturing of production fixtures or gages​
  • Increase speed of your design process
  • Test parts before investing in tooling (casting, molding)
  • Verify design with minimal investment ​
Vermont Tech

Vermont Technical College

  • PO Box 500, 124 Admin Drive
    Randolph Center, VT 05061
  • Phone (800) 442-8821
  • Driving Directions Driving Directions
  • Info document Request Info
  • Dollar sign Donate
  • Visit us on Facebook Facebook
  • Visit us on Twitter Twitter
  • Visit us on Instagram Instagram
  • Visit us on Youtube Youtube
  • Visit us on Flickr Flickr

News & Events

  • 30 NOV

    Vermont Tech Hosts Inaugural Athletics Hall of Fame Ceremony

    Full Story  Arrow right
  • 30 SEP

    Vermont Tech’s Apprenticeship Program Sets an Example

    Full Story  Arrow right
  • 28 SEP

    DOE Announces First Cohort of Post-Secondary Programs to Receive New Zero Energy Design Designation

    Full Story  Arrow right

Resources

  • Catalog
  • Commencement 2023
  • Conferences & Events
  • COVID-19 Protocols
  • CubeSat Laboratory
  • Dental Hygiene Clinic
  • Disability Services
  • IT Support
  • Library
  • Locations & Campus Maps
  • Marketing & Media Resources
  • Mission Statement
  • NECHE Accreditation Self Study Evaluation 2020-2022
  • Online Gear Store
  • Policies & Public Info
  • Portal
  • Public Safety
  • SHAPE Center
  • Student Handbook
  • Transcript Request
  • Transforming Vermont Technical College
  • Advanced Manufacturing Center
  • Whistleblower Hotline
  • Work at Vermont Tech
  • 1098T Access
  • Vermont State University
  • Virtual Tour

©2023 Vermont Technical College non-discrimination statement Non-Discrimination Statement

Website designed by Gravity Switch

We use cookies on this site to enhance your user experience. By clicking any link on this page you are giving your consent for us to set cookies.

More Info  Arrow right