MSU faculty members will focus research on advanced automotive materials such as lightweight metals, polymers, composites, and high-strength steels. Eight groups will study microstructure–property relations, materials design, design optimization, fatigue, and tool wear. Industrial sponsors in the PM phase of the programme are guiding work on aluminium alloys and aluminium-matrix composites. PM equipment and instrument manufacturers, software firms, parts users, and metal powder suppliers are supporting the programme. Dr. Seong Jin Park and Dr. Youssef Hammi, experts in computer modelling, are the key researchers in the aluminium PM project.

Companies interested in participating in the program should contact Bob Kirkland, business development officer for CAVS, at Kirkland@cavs.msstate.edu or (662) 325-1454. (The Centre’s director is Professor Randall German, one of the giants of the PM industry who formerly headed the Center for Innovative Sintered Products at Penn State).