About the Precision Machining Research Consortium

The Precision Machining Research Consortium at Georgia Tech targets issues in fundamental engineering technology development and implementation methodologies for the enhancement of productivity, part specification conformance, machine tool utilization, and environmental compatibility of material removal and finishing processes. The Consortium performs analytical, numerical, and experimental studies addressing topics related to modeling, planning, optimization, monitoring, control, and metrology of precision machining processes and machine tools. The Consortium facilitates rapid and comprehensive transfer of technology through extensive interactions with a wide variety of industrial manufacturing facilities.

The three primary missions of the Precision Machining Consortium are:

1. To establish an intimate university-industry research tie . The tie allows the industry to identify, shape, and direct the research agenda to meet its practical needs.
2. To formulate a multi-industry partnership in addressing technical needs of common interest. The Consortium forms a panel of expertise represented by a variety of industries including product manufacturers, equipment makers, and component suppliers. The panel offers a unique opportunity to advance the technology forefront from various perspectives in serving a set of common purposes.
3. To establish a cross-disciplinary research team . The base of the precision machining technology encompasses a wide spectrum of engineering disciplines including metrology, mechanical, materials, controls, electrical, and environmental engineering. The Consortium provides an effective mechanism to integrate and utilize interdisciplinary expertise in developing a solid basis for enabling technologies.

Through the Consortium, Georgia Tech is in a strong position to interact with industry, to offer key technological solutions, and to bear short and long term impacts on industrial productivity and competitiveness. The investment of industry's membership in the Consortium is amplified by the established expertise, available facilities, and the Institute's firm commitment on this pivotal technology area.