University of Florida AM Lab

The Herbert Wertheim Laboratory for Engineering Excellence at the University of Florida has a state-of-the-art additive manufacturing (AM) lab that signals new possibilities for research and workforce development. At the heart of the lab is the Renishaw AM-400 laser powder bed fusion (L-PBF) system—a metal 3D printer capable of producing complex components from materials such as titanium, stainless steel, and aluminum.

Led by Dr. Jia “Peter” Liu, the lab provides students with hands-on training in cutting-edge metal AM. A select group of undergraduate and doctoral students has completed specialized training to safely operate the system, preparing them for careers in advanced industries.

Beyond education, the printer opens doors for interdisciplinary collaboration in materials development, smart manufacturing, AI-driven optimization, and supply chain innovation, positioning UF at the forefront of metal AM research and industry partnership.

Additive manufacturing “can reduce the lead time in manufacturing and establish a flexible and secure supply chain,” Liu said. “Instead of having multiple pieces built by different manufacturers, transported, and assembled later, any discrete component can now be built on a single machine,” he added.

The AM process is especially useful for producing shapes and profiles that are difficult to manufacture using traditional methods. Other advantages include extremely quick turnaround, design freedom and efficient use of materials. For instance, for aerospace applications, where weight is of critical importance, components that normally would be assembled with connectors or welds can instead be constructed as one unified piece, reducing weight and enhancing strength.