THRIVE

ITAMCO Revolutionizes Gear Manufacturing at THRIVE Energy Conference

The recent THRIVE Energy Conference served as a prime platform for ITAMCO (Indiana Technology and Manufacturing Companies) to unveil its groundbreaking advancements in gear manufacturing technology. Amidst discussions on energy innovation and sustainability, ITAMCO seized the opportunity to showcase its key innovations that are reshaping the landscape of gear production.

At the heart of ITAMCO’s presentation was its cutting-edge use of machine learning and advanced analytics in gear manufacturing processes. By harnessing ML algorithms, ITAMCO has pioneered energy efficient solutions specifically tailored for gear systems. These solutions enable lower energy consumption of the gear manufacturing process.

Moreover, ITAMCO spotlighted its IoT-enabled gear monitoring systems, which provide real-time insights into gear performance and health. Through continuous monitoring and data analytics, organizations can optimize gear operation, prevent unexpected failures, and maximize energy efficiency across various applications.

In addition to its technological advancements, ITAMCO emphasized its commitment to sustainability in gear manufacturing. ITAMCO ensures transparency and traceability in the supply chain, promoting responsible sourcing of materials and ethical manufacturing practices, made in the USA. This not only aligns with the growing demand for sustainable solutions but also reinforces ITAMCO’s dedication to environmental stewardship.

By participating in the THRIVE Energy Conference, ITAMCO demonstrated its leadership in revolutionizing gear manufacturing through innovation and sustainability. Through collaboration with industry peers and stakeholders, ITAMCO continues to drive positive change and shape the future of energy by delivering reliable, efficient, and environmentally conscious gear solutions.

In conclusion, ITAMCO’s participation in the THRIVE Energy Conference underscored its commitment to advancing gear manufacturing technology while promoting sustainability in the energy sector. Through its pioneering innovations, ITAMCO is poised to lead the industry towards a more resilient and sustainable energy future.

ITAMCO at the THRIVE Energy Conference
ITAMCO at the THRIVE Energy Conference

ITAMCO Oil and Gas

ITAMCO’s Next Generation Gear Manufacturing Revolutionizes Fracking Efficiency in the Oil Industry

In the ever-evolving landscape of industrial technology, efficiency is paramount. Enter ITAMCO (Indiana Technology and Manufacturing Companies), a pioneering entity revolutionizing gear manufacturing with its next-generation capabilities. As the oil industry continues to seek ways to enhance productivity while minimizing environmental impact, ITAMCO’s advancements hold promise, particularly in the realm of fracking.

Fracking, or hydraulic fracturing, has been a game-changer in the oil and gas sector, unlocking previously inaccessible reservoirs and driving production to new heights. However, the process is complex and demanding, requiring precision equipment capable of withstanding extreme conditions. This is where ITAMCO steps in, leveraging cutting-edge technologies to optimize gear manufacturing for fracking applications.

At the heart of ITAMCO’s innovation lies its utilization of advanced materials and processes. By incorporating high-strength alloys and employing state-of-the-art machining techniques, ITAMCO produces gears with unparalleled durability and reliability. This means equipment used in fracking operations can withstand the harsh environments encountered deep within the earth, ensuring uninterrupted performance and extended operational lifespans.

ITAMCO gearbox

Moreover, ITAMCO’s next-generation gear manufacturing capabilities are characterized by precision engineering and tight tolerances. This precision is crucial in fracking equipment, where even the slightest deviation can lead to inefficiencies or equipment failures. By maintaining strict adherence to specifications, ITAMCO’s gears contribute to smoother operation, reduced downtime, and enhanced overall efficiency in fracking operations.

Additionally, ITAMCO’s commitment to innovation extends beyond traditional manufacturing processes. The company embraces digitalization and Industry 4.0 principles, integrating smart technologies and data analytics into its manufacturing ecosystem. This enables real-time monitoring of equipment performance, predictive maintenance scheduling, and optimization of operational parameters, further enhancing efficiency and reliability in fracking applications.

Furthermore, ITAMCO’s focus on sustainability aligns with the growing emphasis on environmental responsibility within the oil industry. By producing durable, long-lasting gears, the company reduces the need for frequent replacements, minimizing waste and resource consumption. Additionally, the efficiency gains facilitated by ITAMCO’s gear manufacturing capabilities contribute to reducing the overall environmental footprint of fracking operations.

In practical terms, the impact of ITAMCO’s next-generation gear manufacturing capabilities on fracking efficiency is significant. Improved durability and reliability translate to reduced maintenance requirements and lower downtime, leading to increased operational uptime and productivity. Moreover, the precision engineering ensures optimal performance, maximizing the extraction of oil and gas resources from each fracking operation.

Looking ahead, ITAMCO’s ongoing commitment to innovation promises even greater advancements in gear manufacturing for the oil industry. As technology continues to evolve, the company remains at the forefront, driving efficiency, reliability, and sustainability in fracking operations. By embracing the latest technologies and engineering principles, ITAMCO is poised to shape the future of gear manufacturing, transforming the oil industry’s approach to fracking in the process.

In conclusion, ITAMCO’s next-generation gear manufacturing capabilities represent a transformative force in the oil industry, particularly in the context of fracking operations. Through precision engineering, advanced materials, and digitalization, the company delivers gears that enhance efficiency, reliability, and sustainability. As the demand for energy continues to grow, ITAMCO’s innovations offer a promising path towards maximizing the potential of oil and gas resources while minimizing environmental impact.


Joel Neidig Brings Expertise to MTConnect Board of Trustees: A Pioneer in Advancements

Joel Neidig Brings Expertise to MTConnect Board of Trustees: A Pioneer in Advancements

In a significant move that underscores the ongoing evolution of manufacturing technology, Joel Neidig, the visionary leader and Director of R&D of ITAMCO, has recently joined the Board of Trustees of MTConnect Institute. This appointment is a testament to Neidig’s remarkable contributions to the field of manufacturing and his commitment to advancing industry standards. Let’s delve into the impressive career of Joel Neidig and the advancements he has spearheaded in the manufacturing sector.

Joel Neidig
Joel Neidig, Director of R&D of ITAMCO, has joined the Board of Trustees of MTConnect Institute.

Joel Neidig is a seasoned professional with a proven track record in the manufacturing industry. As the Director of R&D of ITAMCO, a leading provider of precision machining and technology solutions, Neidig has played a pivotal role in driving innovation and implementing cutting-edge technologies. His expertise lies in leveraging digital solutions to enhance manufacturing processes, improve efficiency, and pave the way for the future of the industry.

Throughout his career, Joel Neidig has been at the forefront of advancements in manufacturing technology. One of his notable contributions is the integration of Industry 4.0 principles into ITAMCO’s operations. Neidig understands the importance of embracing digitization, data analytics, and connectivity to create smarter and more agile manufacturing processes.

Under Neidig’s leadership, ITAMCO has successfully implemented the MTConnect standard, a protocol that facilitates machine-to-machine communication and data exchange in the manufacturing environment. This standard plays a crucial role in enabling interoperability between different machines and systems, fostering a more connected and efficient manufacturing ecosystem.

Additionally, Neidig has championed the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) in manufacturing. These technologies, when applied strategically, can optimize production processes, predict equipment failures, and enhance overall operational efficiency. Neidig’s forward-thinking approach has positioned ITAMCO as a trailblazer in the application of AI and ML in the manufacturing domain.

Joel Neidig’s appointment to the Board of Trustees of MTConnect Institute further solidifies his commitment to advancing industry standards and promoting collaboration within the manufacturing community. MTConnect, an open standard that fosters connectivity and communication between manufacturing equipment, is crucial for the development of smart manufacturing systems.

As a member of the Board of Trustees, Neidig brings his wealth of experience and insights to contribute to the strategic direction of MTConnect. His involvement is expected to drive the adoption of standards that facilitate seamless data exchange and interoperability across diverse manufacturing environments. This collaborative effort is essential for the continued growth and innovation of the manufacturing sector.

Joel Neidig’s journey from ITAMCO’s CTO to a member of MTConnect’s Board of Trustees is a testament to his unwavering dedication to advancing manufacturing technology. His visionary leadership at ITAMCO has not only propelled the company to new heights but has also influenced the broader manufacturing industry. As a member of the MTConnect Board of Trustees, Neidig will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in shaping the future of manufacturing standards and fostering a more connected and intelligent manufacturing ecosystem.


ITAMCO and MxD

MxD Welcomes ITAMCO CEO to Board of Directors

December 13, 2023 (CHICAGO) — MxD today announced the addition of Gary L. Neidig, President and CEO of Indiana Technology and Manufacturing Companies (ITAMCO), to its board of directors. ITAMCO is a multi-faceted, advanced manufacturing company with locations in Plymouth and Argos, Indiana. ITAMCO’s core business is in metal machining of precision gears and machined components.

“The perspectives of small and medium-sized manufacturers, which comprise the bulk of U.S. manufacturing, are critical to the conversations MxD leads about driving growth and competitiveness in the sector,” said Berardino Baratta, CEO of MxD. “We’re delighted to welcome Gary Neidig to the board, who brings both leadership in this space and longstanding support of the MxD mission as a former member of our Executive Council.”

Neidig has served in customer service, engineering, and executive management roles during his 42 years in manufacturing while overseeing technology development for advanced manufacturing. He is an active coder and has written engineering and business system applications. Neidig graduated from Bob Jones University with a B.S. in Business Management, and a Minor in Computer Science.

“I’ve always considered MxD to be the premier Manufacturing Institute. Our highest priority should be the opportunity to make tangible improvements in the U.S. manufacturing base through digitalization,” said Neidig. “I am excited to be a part of the MxD board as it helps steer this industry-changing organization, shaping the future of manufacturing in the digital age.”

Neidig will join current board members, Billy Bardin, Global Climate Transition Director, DOW; Katy George, Senior Partner and Chief People Officer, McKinsey & Company; Tony Hemmelgarn, President and CEO, Siemens Digital Industries Software; Mary Isbister, Board Chair and Owner, GenMet Corp.; John Kusnierek, Senior Vice President, LibertyWorks Research and Technology, Rolls-Royce; Shirish Pareek, Chairman & CEO, Adaptec Solutions; Jocelyn Seng, Retired Air Force Major General; Carroll Thomas, Director (Retired), National Institute of Standards and Technology Manufacturing Extension Partnership; and Jay Walsh, Vice President for Economic Development and Innovation, University of Illinois.

Gary Neidig

“I am excited to be a part of the MxD board as it helps steer this industry-changing organization, shaping the future of manufacturing in the digital age.”
– Gary L. Neidig, President and CEO of ITAMCO

About MxD

MxD (Manufacturing x Digital) is where innovative manufacturers go to forge their futures. In partnership with the Department of Defense, MxD equips U.S. factories with the digital tools, cybersecurity, and workforce expertise needed to begin building every part better than the last. As a result, our nearly 300 partners increase their productivity, win more business, and strengthen U.S. manufacturing. MxD is also the National Center for Cybersecurity in Manufacturing as designated by DoD.

Media Contact:
Mackie Hill, Marketing and Communications Manager, MxD
mackie.hill@mxdusa.org
312.281.6872
mxdusa.org


ITAMCO Events

ITAMCO's Joel Neidig to speak at the Motion + Power Expo

Save the Date!

Join ITAMCO at the Motion + Power Technology Event this coming Tuesday, October 17th, at 10:30 a.m. for an in-depth discussion on The Future of Gear Manufacturing.

Detroit Events
The Event is held in Detroit, MI.

What is the Motion + Power Technology Expo?

The Motion + Power Technology Expo is a three-day event that serves as a vital link for professionals seeking solutions in the field of motion power. It provides a platform for connecting manufacturers, suppliers, and buyers, offering the opportunity to discover cutting-edge power transmission components, materials, and advanced manufacturing techniques. This event facilitates transactions, allowing participants to both procure and sell products, while fostering business collaborations across diverse sectors, including aerospace, automotive, agriculture, energy, construction, and more. It stands as one of the largest gatherings of industry leaders, CEOs, proprietors, engineers, sales managers, and other experts within the electric, fluid, mechanical, and gear industries, offering an ideal environment to cultivate strategic partnerships.

Read how ITAMCO Won the Small and Medium-sized Manufacturer of the Year


ITAMCO's Joel Neidig to speak at Fabtech 2023

ITAMCO at Fabtech 2023

We’re thrilled to announce that Joel Neidig will be speaking at Fabtech this year!

Fabtech is North America’s largest metal forming, fabricating, welding, and finishing event. The manufacturing event will feature more than 1,500+ world-class suppliers.

You can find out more about Fabtech here

Join us at the SME Zone in Booth B18000 at 1:00 p.m. to hear Joel discuss the exciting world of Additive Manufacturing!

Want to read more about Additive Manufacturing?

AM Guide

ITAMCO Gears and Splines

Making CNC Grinding More Energy Efficient

In 2020, the Clean Energy Smart Manufacturing Innovation Institute (CESMII) announced more than $6 million in funding for eight projects to improve energy-intensive manufacturing processes and to strengthen the U.S. manufacturing sector.

ITAMCO, West Virginia University, and Clemson University were chosen to develop hybrid modeling for energy efficient grinding processes for gear manufacturing.

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED:

Grinding is of the upmost importance in industry, and is essential for creating parts from hard and brittle materials. However, out of all machining processes, it is the one with the highest energy consumption. (SEC) The total grinding time for ITAMCO’s Ring Gear (Pictured below) accumulates 11 hours of energy, and is responsible for 33% of the total manufacturing cost of the gear.

Ring Gear

PROJECT OBJECTIVE:

The principal goal is to reduce the extremely high energy consumption of grinding processes for gear manufacturing by at least 15% through hybrid modeling of the grinding system holistically.

TECHNICAL APPROACH:

To achieve this goal, we will develop novel hybrid modeling methods that combine multi-physics equation-based models with data-driven machine learning models. The hybrid model input includes both machine tool parameters and sensor data as well as data from ERP and tool management systems. The hybrid model’s output provides grinding process parameters (wheel speed, depth of cut, infeed duration) as well as grinding tool reconditioning schedule and parameters (dressing and sharpening) that reduce the overall grinding system’s SEC. The model will be prototypically implemented in the industrial testbed will be located on-premise at ITAMCO, a leading US gear manufacturer and SME.

POTENTIAL IMPACT:

The US demand for gears is expected to grow by 6.4% to $40 billion in sales. Grinding will remain the core technology to produce large-scale, high-quality gear components. The novel, scalable, and generalizable hybrid modeling approach and its deployment in the CESMII SM platform environment will provide a blueprint for other use cases to reduce the energy consumption of the US grinding industry.

ITAMCO’s Niles ZP40, which is the primary machine on which their Ring Gear is ground.

BENEFITS TO CESMII:

The project showcases rapid recovery of Smart Manufacturing adoption cost through energy savings and productivity increases in an industry with energy intensive processes. The project creates an opportunity to scale its impact for other interested CESMII members across industries (automotive, aerospace, medical, etc.) and applications (milling, turning, etc.) within the larger CESMII network.

IMPACT VS PERFORMANCE METRICS:

15% reduction in energy consumption & 3-7% increase in productivity lead to an estimated increased throughput of 28 additional units, and annual savings of ~$143,000 and ~1,000t CO2at ITAMCO alone.

Information from Dr. Thorsten Wuest, West Virginia University


ITAMCO Wins Small and Medium-sized Manufacturer of the Year

In an annual event to commemorate innovation in hardtech and manufacturing, ITAMCO has won the small and medium-sized manufacturer of the year award!

From the Fourth Revolution Website: “Founded in 1955, ITAMCO is entering the era of employing the 4th generation and currently employees 124 employees. ITAMCO manufacturers gears that are supplied to the oil and gas industry and is starting to support the EV industry as well.”

 

Matthew Davis, ITAMCO Manager of Training and Organizational Development (left) and Kim Blomquist, mHUB Director of Marketing (right)

 

The Fourth Revolution would also go on to congratulate the winners: “Congratulations again to the award winners, and to all the award finalists and nominees. Together, we will ensure that the region’s manufacturing sector is driven, infused with world-class talent, and continues its reign as a global leader into the future.”

For more information, view the original article here.

SEE WHAT ITAMCO HAS BEEN DOING IN THE EV INDUSTRY


IEDC Awards Grants to Improve DoD Smart Tech

Grant to Improve DoD Smart Tech

The Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) is awarding grants totaling $650,000 to three Hoosier companies to spur technology development in the defense industry. The grant recipients include Indiana Technology and Manufacturing Companies (ITAMCO), J&L Dimensional, and Mursix Corporation.

IEDC says these businesses will create new smart technology platforms with the goal of improving data management, efficiency, and analysis among contractors with the Department of Defense.

Details of the grants are below:

  • ITAMCO, Marshall County – $150,000 to develop a machine learning, smart-data-analysis platform for manufacturers that provides real-time adjustment and optimization utilizing artificial intelligence for product quality monitoring. The project will enhance efficiencies and lower costs for manufacturers. The project is being supported by Rolls-Royce and SIMBA Chain.
  • J&L Dimensional, LaPorte County – $250,000 to create a platform that improves decision making, increases efficiency of production and maintenance, repair and overhaul operations, and lowers costs by creating linkages to previously inaccessible data. The project is being supported by Rolls-Royce & Purdue University
  • Mursix Corp., Delaware County – $250,000 to utilize data to enhance the properties of the company’s digital thread capabilities for future commercial automotive, medical and military applications. The project is being supported by Columbus-based Cummins Inc., Terre Haute-based ICTT System Sciences, Indianapolis-based IntelAdvise and Purdue Polytechnic.

“As a state, we’re committed to fueling innovation and investing in disruptive technologies like digital thread to cultivate a 21st century defense ecosystem,” said retired Major General Omer Tooley Jr., the IEDC’s president of defense development. “These grants will allow Indiana companies to continue innovating, competing and developing new solutions that encourage long-term, sustainable growth in Indiana’s defense industry. We’re excited to collaborate with the Air Force Research Laboratory to enhance the technical capabilities of our nation’s supply chain and look forward to supporting these projects from start to finish.”

The grants, approved through the state’s 21st Century Research & Technology Fund, will propel investments already being made by the companies and their support organizations.


Tech. Sgt. Dan Zimmerman (back) and Senior Airman Thet Tun (front) carry a piece of AM2 matting material, Camp Dwyer, Afghanistan, July, 12, 2016. Zimmerman and Tun constructed a 100’ x 100’ helicopter landing zone out of AM2 matting to support the medical facility at Camp Dwyer. (Courtesy photo by 451 Air Expeditionary Support Squadron)

ITAMCO Developing Portable Runway Mat

ITAMCO is competing for a Phase II Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grant for additive manufactured portable runway mat which could be used by the United States military all over the globe. The current AM2 matting being used for portable airfields dates back to the Vietnam era. The updated matting must be easy to install and store yet withstand multiple take-offs and landings of aircraft

ITAMCO, working with Professor Pablo Zavattieri in the Lyles School of Civil Engineering at Purdue University, is developing the next-generation material called phase-transforming cellular materials, or PXCMs, for the US Air Force. The design can be scaled to almost any size and can only be produced by 3D printing.

The company won Phase 1 SBIR funding, earning it the right to compete for the Phase II. ITAMCO is now in the prototype and testing stage. The durable matting can restore itself to its original contour and would allow for planes to land on the temporary runway 30 minutes after it’s laid in place and tested. Continuing research will allow it to develop a robust sheet or roll of the matting.

Tech. Sgt. Dan Zimmerman (back) and Senior Airman Thet Tun (front) carry a piece of AM2 matting material, Camp Dwyer, Afghanistan, July, 12, 2016. Zimmerman and Tun constructed a 100’ x 100’ helicopter landing zone out of AM2 matting to support the medical facility at Camp Dwyer. (Courtesy photo by 451 Air Expeditionary Support Squadron)

Tech. Sgt. Dan Zimmerman (back) and Senior Airman Thet Tun (front) carry a piece of AM2 matting material, Camp Dwyer, Afghanistan, July, 12, 2016. Zimmerman and Tun constructed a 100’ x 100’ helicopter landing zone out of AM2 matting to support the medical facility at Camp Dwyer. (Courtesy photo by 451 Air Expeditionary Support Squadron)


Additive Manufacturing Summit

Additive Manufacturing Virtual Summit

ITAMCO is excited to announce the third-annual Additive Manufacturing Summit on Tuesday, July 14 from 1-4 p.m. EST.

This year’s event will be held virtually and focus on educating and informing attendees about the growing industry surrounding Additive Manufacturing (AM). AM has seen incredible growth and the future for the technology is bright. Register now to hear speakers from leading companies in the AM space.

Speakers include:

  • JANET KAR, CMO, Link3D
  • ELIANA FU, Senior Engineer: Additive Technologies, Relativity Space
  • ANDRE WEGNER, Founder and CEO, Authentise
  • BRENT KEPHART, Global Portfolio Development Executive, Siemens
  • ANJON ROY, Vice President of Market Development, SIMBA Chain

Learn More About the Summit

View the Site

ITAMCO Niles ZP 40 Gear Grinder

Changes in Smart Manufacturing

West Virginia University and ITAMCO are advancing smart manufacturing with a $901,486 grant awarded by the United States Department of Energy’s Clean Energy Smart Manufacturing Innovation Institute (CESMII). The project’s goal is to improve the energy efficiency of manufacturing across the United States.

Gears are a critical component industry. Thorsten Wuest, the J. Wayne and Kathy Richards Faculty Fellow and assistant professor of industrial and management systems engineering in the Benjamin M. Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources, believes the demand for gears in the United State alone will grow by 6.4 percent to $40 billion in sales.

Researchers from the University at Buffalo and Indiana Technology and Manufacturing Companies (ITAMCO) collaborative on this project and will develop a holistic hybrid model to predict the specific energy consumption of large-scale grinding processes.

The focal point of the project is a large-scale internal double wheel end gear that is approximately 3 feet in diameter with a processing time of over 11 hours. The gear is used in heavy mining and construction equipment.

Ring Gear

Internal Double Wheel End Gear

Learn More

“In manufacturing there is not much previous work available, especially not at the level we are proposing with direct industrial application through our industrial partner Indiana Technology and Manufacturing Companies (ITAMCO) and the reach of CESMII,” Wuest said.

Hybrid analytics, a relatively newer field, merges traditional, physics-based modeling with data-driven machine learning models. The proposed project will directly impact operations at ITAMCO and has the potential to reduce energy consumption by large-scale grinding by at least 15 percent.

Wuest explained that for CNC grinding systems energy accounts for about 33 percent of the overall manufacturing cost.
“Reducing the energy consumption by improving the grinding strategy based on hybrid modeling does not only reduce the environmental impact, but it also improves the company’s bottom line and further increases the competitiveness of U.S. manufactured high-tech goods on the global marketplace,” he continued.

According to Wuest, grinding has the highest rate of energy consumption of all machining processes, and this process isn’t going anywhere soon.

Read more on West Virginia University's New Page

Read More

Leading Through Collaboration

Indiana Technology and Manufacturing Companies (ITAMCO) have long been recognized as premier advanced manufacturing and technology firms.

We collaborate with like-minded professionals from the world’s most respected companies, institutions, and universities to deliver technology, engineering, and manufacturing solutions. We are dedicated to solving complex challenges, streamlining businesses, and strengthening our customer’s bottom line.


Gear Grinder at ITAMCO

Advancing Leadership in Smart Manufacturing

The Clean Energy Smart Manufacturing Innovation Institute (CESMII) announced more than $6 million in funding for eight projects to improve energy-intensive manufacturing processes and strengthen the U.S. manufacturing sector.

ITAMCO, West Virginia University, and the University of Buffalo will develop hybrid modeling for energy efficient grinding processes for gear manufacturing.

Read the entire press release below:

Today, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)’s Clean Energy Smart Manufacturing Innovation Institute (CESMII) announced more than $6 million for eight projects to improve energy-intensive manufacturing processes and strengthen the U.S. manufacturing sector.

CESMII is a part of Manufacturing USA, a network of regional institutes that have a specialized technology focus to increase U.S. manufacturing competitiveness and promote a robust and sustainable national manufacturing research and development (R&D) infrastructure. CESMII works with American companies to spur innovations in new, integrated, systematic “smart” manufacturing processes with a highly skilled manufacturing workforce and a vibrant supply chain.

The Trump Administration has identified advanced manufacturing as one of the vital industries of the future. The White House Office of Science and Technology Policy’s Oct. 2018 “Strategy for American Leadership in Advanced Manufacturing” calls for new smart manufacturing technologies to “facilitate a digital transformation in the manufacturing sector by enabling the application of big data analytics and advanced sensing and control technologies to a host of manufacturing activities.”

“Advances in digital technologies and other forms of ‘smart manufacturing’ can improve the efficiency and competitiveness of America’s manufacturing sector,” said Alex Fitzsimmons, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency. “In partnership with industry, universities, and the National Laboratories, DOE’s investments will help position the U.S. for global leadership in the advanced manufacturing industries of the future.”

The following projects are selected for negotiations:

  • Auburn University and Rayonier Advanced Materials will develop a soft sensor and predictive control for anti-foaming agent usage, wash water flow, and pulp quality in paper manufacturing using statistics pattern analysis and machine learning.
  • Baxter Solutions and Purdue University will develop real-time, non-invasive, process monitoring system for pharmaceutical lyophilization (also known as freeze-drying) equipment based on a wireless network of vacuum and temperature sensors.
  • Honeywell, Virginia Tech, Bodycote, and Seco-Warwick will develop new sensors, monitoring and data analytic methods and apply them to three industrially relevant thermal processes.
  • Pennsylvania State University, Texas A&M University (TAMU), and University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) will develop novel self-powered sensors and identify actuators needed to collect information and respond to actions for machines including legacy machines for key applications.
  • Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and IBM will develop a modeling engine with sophisticated predictive capabilities to model a variety of manufacturing processes and demonstrate the capabilities on a critical complementary metal–oxide–semiconductor transistor manufacturing process.
  • Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, and Janssen Pharmaceuticals will develop advanced process models, sensors and data integration architecture that will be demonstrated on wet granulation, drying and milling in pharmaceutical manufacturing processes.
  • UTRC, Purdue University, and the Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology Inc. will develop a simulation and testing framework to determine the feasibility of using ultrasound to mitigate dirty white spot defects in forged IN 718 turbine parts in the Vacuum Arc Remelting process.
  • West Virginia University, University of Buffalo, and Indiana Technology and Manufacturing Companies (ITAMCO) will develop and test hybrid modeling for energy efficient grinding processes for gear manufacturing in collaboration with the industrial partners.

Founded in 2016, in partnership with DOE’s CESMII is the third institute funded by EERE’s . CESMII accelerates smart manufacturing adoption through the integration of advanced sensors, data analytics, platforms and controls to improve productivity, precision, performance, and energy consumption in manufacturing.

To create and sustain American leadership in advanced manufacturing, DOE is investing in new industrial technologies, materials, and processes to help bolster American manufacturing. Last month, EERE’s Advanced Manufacturing Office announced $187 million in new investments for high-impact manufacturing technologies, materials, and processes to strengthen the domestic manufacturing base.


Kurt Hanby - Business Development Manager

Employee Highlight – Kurt Hanby

ITAMCO would like to highlight some of our valuable employees. Meet Kurt!

Kurt Hanby works in our business development department. We asked him a few questions, and we thought we’d share his answers with you.

Kurt Hanby

Business Development Manager

1. How long have you worked at ITAMCO?

6.5 years

2. What's the best thing about your job?

Building relationships with people.

3. What is your job at ITAMCO?

Sales and Customer Service

4. What is your favorite part about ITAMCO?

The people. Working alongside friends, mentors, and people that care about you.

5. What's something most people don't know about you?

I like to cook.

6. Where's your favorite place in the world?

Trossachs National Park, Scotland

7. What do you like to do when you're not at work?

Hunt, fish, and camp

8. If you could pick one superpower, what would it be?

To be in two places at once.

9. If you could meet anyone, dead or alive, who would it be and why?

The Apostle Paul. To hear more about his life.

10. Coffee or Tea?

Strong coffee for sure!

Thank you Kurt! We will continue to bring you other employee spotlights throughout the year.


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