HARRISBURG, PA – On June 5, representatives from the US Naval Supply Systems Command (NAVSUP) Office of Small Business Programs toured STORMWERX Research Center at Harrisburg University of Science and Technology (HU). During the visit, Harrisburg University staff provided demonstrations of HU’s advanced manufacturing facilities and shared how additive manufacturing (3D printing), material sciences, reverse engineering, and 3D scanning can augment supply chains and improve combat readiness.
The visit marks the latest of several occasions when Harrisburg University has hosted leaders, engineers, and technicians representing the US Department of Defense. STORMWERX has entered into several research and development agreements with the armed forces in recent years – including the US Army, the US Marine Corps, and the US Navy. Likewise, the NAVSUP team arrived at Harrisburg University ready to see how our two organizations can support each other’s culture, mission, and future success.
Keep reading to see highlights from the NAVSUP visit, and be sure to check out the STORMWERX website to learn about HU’s Advanced Manufacturing Research Center and how it supports economic development in Central Pennsylvania and beyond as well as national defense.
All photos by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Christopher Previc.
Charles Shearrow (Advanced Manufacturing Research Project Coordinator & Research Assistant at Harrisburg University) shows an advanced manufacturing classroom lab to Chris Espenshade (Director, NAVSUP Office of Small Business Programs) and Noreen McDonough (Deputy Director, NAVSUP Weapons Systems Support, Office of Small Business Programs). The lab is used to teach students about computer-assisted design (CAD), robotics, and additive manufacturing.
Harrisburg University staff and NAVSUP employees gather in the hallway at Harrisburg University’s STORMWERX Research Center. NAVSUP requested a tour of the facility to learn more about additive manufacturing opportunities.
Charles Shearrow holds a 3D-printed helmet created using additive manufacturing techniques.
Charles shows off a bike frame created using a commercial-scale 3D printer.
Ryan Rogers, Advanced Manufacturing Operations Manager at Harrisburg University, shows off HU’s commercial-scale 3D printers housed within the STORMWERX Research Center. Some of these machines are (or are among) the only machines of their kind currently in operation.
Charles Shearrow shows a newly manufactured SATCOM (satellite communication) antenna tripod mount to Chris Espenshade. The antenna mount was recreated using 3D scanning and reverse engineering techniques.
A metal component being fabricated using directed energy deposition (DED) by a HAAS UMC-750 at Harrisburg University’s STORMWERX Research Center.
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Harrisburg University extends its heartfelt appreciation to the NAVSUP team! We look forward to a long and productive partnership.
Be sure to visit HarrisburgU.edu for more information about STORMWERX and our other research institutes or HU’s Advanced Manufacturing Bachelor’s Degree – powering impactful careers in robotics, automation, material science, and additive manufacturing.
ABOUT HARRISBURG UNIVERSITY
Harrisburg University was recently recognized by US News & World Report as one of the nation’s most innovative colleges. HU is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education and is a private, nonprofit university offering bachelor’s and graduate degree programs in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, nursing, and other health science fields. For additional information about HU’s affordable, demand-driven undergraduate and graduate programs, please call 717.901.5146 or email Connect@HarrisburgU.edu. Stay updated by following Harrisburg University on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, and X (Twitter).
