Research
Centers and Programs

Laboratory to Advance Industrial Prototyping (LAIP)

The Laboratory to Advance Industrial Prototyping (LAIP) is dedicated to uniting industry and Clemson University to enhance and maximize the competitive position of all participants. It will generate and disseminate engineering knowledge that is responsive to industrial needs. Falling within the Center for Advanced Manufacturing in the College of Engineering and Science, the laboratory supports the college's mission in research and public service by providing technology transfer to public and private sectors. The laboratory efforts are directed toward increasing industry's competitive position by incorporating advanced prototyping technologies into daily operations.

• LAIP uses current and emerging technologies to reduce product design time cycle and production tooling cost and to improve quality. Use of advanced free-form fabrication processes will permit industries to enter the market in shorter time and to enhance the flexibility of product design and delivery.
• LAIP will pool technical expertise, equipment, facilities and information resources, and it will encourage the exchange of nonproprietary, precompetitive information. To facilitate the transfer of new technologies into participating industries' operations, LAIP will establish benchmarks for the evaluation of rapid prototyping technologies, solid-modeling software and computer platforms.
• LAIP will work with a core of technology suppliers of rapid prototyping, CAD solid modeling and computer platform technologies. These vendors will be able to use the laboratory facilities as a demonstration site.
• LAIP will conduct research and development to mutually benefit members and the entire rapid prototyping community. Advancing the technology while providing industry the means for increasing market penetration and competitiveness are major long-term goals of the laboratory.

Participation

Participation is open to all public and private sectors that use or need to use rapid prototyping to enhance their product design and production tooling operations. Participants can choose three levels of laboratory management defined by their corporate financial commitment: Partner, Sponsor, or Associate.

Partners secure the maximum benefits from LAIP and direct its business, financial and technical operations. Sponsors are influential in its business, financial and technical operations. Associates participate in technical operations. A Sponsor or Associate can upgrade to a higher level by increasing their financial commitment. The Associate level is especially designed to encourage small business and industry who need this cutting-edge technology to remain competitive.

For more information, contact

Dr. Frank Paul
Director
Center for Advanced Manufacturing
Phone: (864) 656-3291
Fax: (864) 656-4435
Email: frank.paul@ces.clemson.edu

or

Elaine Hunt
Director
Laboratory to Advance Industrial Prototyping
Phone: (864) 656-0321
Fax: (864) 656-4435
Email: ehunt@ces.clemson.edu