Advanced Manufacturing Center
The Advanced Manufacturing Center is an engineering support and service center that is dedicated to promoting economic development in Maine and supporting the research programs at the University of Maine. The AMC is also readily accessible to businesses, entrepreneurs, and researchers throughout Maine and North America.
Polylabs Curriculum Collaboration
Staff from The University of Maine’s Advanced Manufacturing Center are working with Lewiston-based PolyLabs, a leading producer of molded polyurethane materials and components for defense, medical, and footwear applications, to draft a custom workforce development curriculum designed to provide specialized robotics training.
“The project is a unique pilot for Industry 4.0 workforce development, and we’re using it as a way to pilot customized curricula for their needs,” said AMC Project Manager Forest Wentworth, noting that the center has leveraged robotics equipment donated by GE in Bangor as part of the training program.
The collaboration is made possible through a connection facilitated by Brian Doyle, economic development specialist for the Department of Economic Development for the City of Lewiston. PolyLabs is taking advantage of services provided through the Solutions for Maine R&D and Innovation Hub based at the University of Maine and funded by the Maine Jobs and Recovery Plan to help companies impacted by the pandemic.
Brant and Cochran Prototype and Collaboration
AMC/Manufacturing Extension Partnership Project Manager Forest Wentworth and students have been managing the design and implementation of a new precision manufacturing system to meet South Portland-based axe manufacturer and restorer Brant & Cochran’s growth potential.
The new system will preserve the heirloom quality of the Brant & Cochran product while increasing production from 22 axes a week to 75 and reducing the production time of each axe from three hours to 30 minutes.
These improvements will reduce the 22-week backlog of direct-to- consumer orders, with wholesale orders from brands like Filson, Huckberry, and Solo Stove currently delayed into 2024.