Composites Manufacturing & Simulation Center (CMSC)
Director: Dr. R. Byron Pipes
Location: Indiana Manufacturing Institute, Purdue Research Park
The CMSC develops digital twin technology for advanced composites manufacturing, enabling companies to accelerate production while maintaining precision and quality. Through partnerships with industry leaders including Saab USA, Dassault Systèmes, Thermwood Corporation, and Wabash MPI, CMSC is transforming how composite materials are designed, manufactured, and validated.
Key Focus Areas:
- Digital twin development for thermoplastic composites stamp forming
- High-rate manufacturing for advanced composite aircraft
- Large-scale additive manufacturing systems
- Robotic control and mechatronics for press systems
The center houses over $20M in simulation software and state-of-the-art manufacturing equipment, providing Indiana companies—especially SMEs—with access to technologies and expertise that accelerate their competitiveness.
Manufacturing and Materials Research Laboratories (MMRL)
Inaugural Director: Dr. Ajay P. Malshe
Locations: West Lafayette & Indianapolis (16 Tech)
Established in Fall 2023, MMRL is pioneering convergent manufacturing—integrating multi-material and multi-process innovation with cyber-physical systems, robotics, data analytics, and human-centered AI. With a 30,000-square-foot collaborative laboratory environment, MMRL serves as a shared-use facility supporting fundamental discovery, translational research, rapid prototyping, and industry partnerships.
Key Focus Areas:
- Additive manufacturing and hybrid manufacturing systems
- Advanced materials processing and characterization
- In-space manufacturing (home to CISM - Center for In-Space Manufacturing)
- Semiconductors, batteries, and future mobility (through CORIA partnership with South Korea)
- Surface engineering and shot peening technologies
MMRL brings together 26 faculty, professional staff, and over 70 graduate students from multiple engineering disciplines, fostering the interdisciplinary collaboration essential for breakthrough manufacturing innovation.
Four Foundational Pillars:
- People: Cultivating diverse talent and collaborative culture
- Place: State-of-the-art, accessible facilities in West Lafayette and Indianapolis
- Process: Standardized procedures and digital systems for sustainable operations
- Products: Developing tools, technologies, and research assets for national leadership
William D. and Sherry L. Young Institute for the Advanced Manufacturing of Pharmaceuticals
Director: Dr. Alina Alexeenko
Location: Indiana Manufacturing Institute