Manufacturing and Materials Research Laboratories (MMRL)

Leading the way in manufacturing research, experimentation, education, and workforce development

Manufacturing and Materials Research Laboratories (MMRL)

The Manufacturing and Materials Research Laboratories (MMRL) at Purdue features state-of-the-art experimental facilities for physical domain manufacturing that will increase collaboration with industries and foundations, accelerate tech commercialization in manufacturing and attract top talent.

As one of the first offshoots of Purdue's new eXcellence in Manufacturing and Operations (XMO) initiative, MMRL will focus on manufacturing research and experimentation. Together MMRL and XMO are vital components of a renaissance in U.S. manufacturing, logistics and supply chains – part of our nation's fresh commitment to revitalizing its industrial legacy, by linking physical, digital and sustainable manufacturing into a resilient, sustainable ecosystem that ensures jobs and national security.

Ajay Malshe, the R. Eugene and Susie E. Goodson Distinguished Professor of Mechanical Engineering and co-director of Purdue's new eXcellence in Manufacturing and Operations (XMO) initiative, will serve as the inaugural director of MMRL. With its focus on manufacturing research and experimentation, MMRL represents one of the first offshoots of XMO.

MMRL initially brings together 10 Purdue faculty, especially young and emerging national leaders, from engineering disciplines, including the Schools of Mechanical, Materials, Industrial and Nuclear Engineering, with more to come.

In addition, MMRL will have a robust educational and workforce development component, helping to create interdisciplinary manufacturing-related professional Master's degrees, executive education programs and undergraduate minors and certificates. The aim is to increase Purdue's intellectual property portfolio around manufacturing science and engineering, industrial innovations and accelerate technology commercialization.

Latest News

Ajay Malshe named to SME Board of Directors

January 9, 2025

Ajay Malshe has been elected as a 2025 International Director for the Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME).

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Seeing through metal with sound waves and X-rays

October 21, 2024

In manufacturing, quality control is just as important as speed and efficiency. But how do you detect voids and defects in a solid metal part? Purdue University researchers are using both ultrasonic waves and X-ray CT to “see inside” manufactured objects nondestructively.

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Purdue's Manufacturing and Materials Research Laboratories announces new Indianapolis presence

April 22, 2024

In an effort to accelerate physical, digital and sustainable manufacturing efforts across Indiana, Purdue University's Manufacturing and Materials Research Laboratories (MMRL) will establish a presence in Indianapolis at 16 Tech Innovation District, the city's destination for innovation and entrepreneurship, deep inside the heart of the Hard-Tech Corridor.

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