Apply for MAST-P Support

Michigan manufacturers: Access capital and support services through the Michigan Auto Supplier Transition Program (MASTP) and position your business for the future of mobility.

The Battery Show North America

OCTOBER 12-15, 2026, Huntington Place, Detroit, MI

Automation Alley Trade Missions

Your Gateway to New, High-Growth Markets.

Join Project DIAMOnD Academy

Register for the Integr8 2026 Series

Register for AME 2026

July 29-30 in Grand Rapids, MI 

Oakland County awards $15M for 3D printers for small businesses

by | May 24, 2023

Summary

Oakland County is directing $15 million toward the purchase of 250 new 3D printers for the next phase of a program designed to deliver additive manufacturing capabilities to small companies.

Oakland County is directing $15 million toward the purchase of 250 new 3D printers for the next phase of a program designed to deliver additive manufacturing capabilities to small companies.

The three-year commitment for Project Diamond is being made with funds from the federal American Rescue Plan Act, according to a Wednesday news release.

“The Project Diamond program has been one of Oakland County’s most successful endeavors to help local manufacturers use advanced technology to become more adaptable, efficient, and realize significant cost savings,” Oakland County Executive David Coulter said in the release. “This initiative is expanding so even more manufacturers can innovate and create new business opportunities and increase production of badly needed parts in an era of supply chain disruptions and shortages.”

Administered by Troy-based Automation Alley, Project Diamond was launched in 2020 to help local manufacturers impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The first phase, funded by $10 million from Oakland County and $2 million from Macomb County, included 300 3D printers, valued at $20,000 apiece.

Read the full article here.

Automation Alley

More

The Basics & Methods of Fixturing

Whether it be a jig, clamp, welding fixture, or vise, fixturing is essential to certain manufacturing processes. Fixturing aims to hold, support, position, or secure workpieces, facilitating accurate and consistent results. Fixturing techniques lead to greater...

Related

The Basics & Methods of Fixturing

The Basics & Methods of Fixturing

Fixturing is fundamental to manufacturing precision, and 3D printing is helping manufacturers create faster, more cost-effective, and highly customizable fixtures that improve accuracy, productivity, and quality.