Strangepresse Partners with Baylor University for R&D

BOARDMAN, Ohio – Strangepresse LLC, a manufacturer of custom thermoplastic extrusion equipment for the additive manufacturing industry, is partnering with Baylor University to enhance research and development in large-scale fused deposition modeling.

Strangepresse will contribute a Model 19 Thermoplastic Extruder to Baylor for laboratory and research use. Fused deposition modeling is a process used in additive manufacturing, or 3-D printing. The process uses a software-guided nozzle that distributes material onto a plate and constructs a component or part from the bottom up.

“The Model 19 Thermoplastic Extruder is a state-of-the art polymer extruder designed specifically for large-scale FDM deposition,” said Douglas Smith, associate professor of engineering. “Baylor’s acquisition of this extruder establishes a collaboration between our laboratory and Strangepresse, helping to position us as a leader in large-scale deposition research.”

Baylor will use Strangepresse’s technology to conduct research in fabricating large components through additive manufacturing. The company’s Model 19 uses short fiber composites and new extruder designs, which opens the door for new opportunities in the industry, the company said.

“The development of this technology has been swift,” said Chuck George, Strangepresse CEO. “Unfortunately, basic research in the processing of materials has delayed the innovation process. Future success of this technology hinges on the developing research at Baylor University.”

Strangepresse, an affiliate of Kent-based Hapco Inc., was founded in 2014 to develop commercially viable thermoplastic extruders use primarily in additive manufacturing.

The company has forged partnerships with Oak Ridge National Laboratory and the University of Texas at El Paso.

Pictured: The Sciences Building at Baylor University.

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