UNI awarded nearly $1M to advance Foundry 4.0 Center

Strategic Infrastructure Program funding will help modernize foundry operations and advance smart manufacturing across Iowa

CEDAR FALLS, Iowa - The University of Northern Iowa has been awarded $970,000 through the Iowa Economic Development Authority's Strategic Infrastructure Program to acquire Industry 4.0 manufacturing technologies and equipment for its Foundry 4.0 Center.

The investment will add a 3D sand printer and an induction furnace, helping to enhance foundry operations while strengthening UNI's ability to support applied research, hands-on, real-world student learning and partnerships with Iowa manufacturers. The new equipment will expand the center's capacity to help companies explore smart manufacturing technologies, test new processes and address production challenges.

The application was led by Nathaniel Bryant, associate director of the Metal Casting Center, who worked with industry partners to demonstrate the need for the equipment and its potential impact. UNI's Research and Sponsored Programs team also supported the application process.

"This is quite a humbling moment for me," said Bryant. "UNI has given me so much, and it is about time I am able to give back something notable. This is only the beginning of more great things to come from the Metal Casting Center."

Through its Metal Casting Center and Foundry 4.0 Center, UNI connects university expertise and technology with real-world production needs, strengthens workforce training and helps manufacturers participate in defense supply chains. The project will also advance a statewide technology-transfer platform designed to help Iowa manufacturers adopt emerging technologies and remain globally competitive.

The 3D sand printer will allow the center to create complex molds and cores directly from digital designs, reducing the time and tooling traditionally needed to prepare castings. The induction furnace will provide additional capacity to melt metal efficiently and support research, testing and industry projects.

"This funding will go a long way to keep the facility and equipment operating in a way to support ongoing research," said Stewart Carter, head of UNI's Department of Applied Engineering.

Together, the equipment will help UNI serve as a statewide resource for technology transfer, give students practical experience with industry-driven projects and prepare students and workers for in-demand careers in advanced manufacturing - all while helping Iowa companies remain globally competitive.