Spraytime

Florida International University (FIU), Miami, Fla., officially unveiled its Cold Spray and Rapid Deposition Laboratory (ColRAD) with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on October 11. University and community leaders gathered at the new facility, which will advance techniques in the repair, design, and durability of high-performance materials.

At the lab, more than two dozen researchers are developing groundbreaking technology for 3D printing using powder, wire, and rods. These techniques will aid defense forces in the repair, design, and durability of high-performance materials used to manufacture next-generation vehicles and munition. The materials will also help defense forces quickly manufacture parts in the field and repair them while in combat zones.

The lab is led by Distinguished University Professor Dr. Arvind Agarwal. He is also the chair of FIU’s Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering at the College of Engineering and Computing (CEC) and a renowned expert on advanced additive manufacturing techniques. Additionally, the lab is supported by a five-year, $22.9 million grant from the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command (CCDC) Army Research Laboratory.

Florida Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman-Schultz, ranking member of the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs subcommittee of the House Appropriations Committee, was not able to attend the ceremony but was instrumental in helping the school win the grant. Via video, she said, “I am so proud I was able to help secure the funding supporting the innovative solutions that FIU is developing, in this case, helping to ensure our defense systems are agile and meeting the needs of our troops while also bolstering the manufacturing ecosystem in South Florida.”

Special guests at the ceremony included Dr. Kenneth Jessell, president, FIU; Dr. Elizabeth Bejar, provost, executive vice president, and chief operating officer, FIU; Roger Tovar, FIU Board chair; Dr. Victor Champagne, team lead, U.S. Army CCDC Army Research Laboratory; Dr. Michael Nicolas, U.S. Army Research Laboratory; Dr. John Volakis, dean, computer & engineering, FIU; Dr. Andres Gil, senior vice president for research and economic development, FIU; and Gloria Oliveros, district director, Congressman Mario Diaz Balart’s office.

Jessell told the crowd gathered for the ceremony how research at the lab stands to benefit the local industry and community.

“FIU’s commitment to innovation and impact is on full display today as we celebrate the opening of this lab,” he said. “We show the world today that we are a leader for Army Research Lab cold spray technology and an influential partner, together with our congressional delegation, in building up Miami’s tech, innovation, and manufacturing ecosystem.”

FIU is now the first university in Florida to have an advanced cold spray facility dedicated to the 3D printing of large-scale metal and composite structures. The opening of the lab also positions FIU as a key provider of research and talent for the Department of Defense and industry partners, particularly due to the increased demand for electronics and the expansion of both the aerospace and defense industries.

“We have a large group of more than 25 researchers working on cold spray and rapid deposition technologies here at the College of Engineering and Computing,” said Ines Triay, interim dean of CEC. “This state-of-the-art lab, the only one of its kind at a Florida university, will allow us to not only augment our research capabilities, but also equip the next-generation workforce with critically important skills.”