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What is the University of Michigan manufacturing partnership with LS Manufacturing?
by altabunny9_at_gmail.com＠mail.d2l.msu.edu 01 Nov '25

01 Nov '25

In today’s rapidly evolving industrial landscape, the manufacturing sector stands at the intersection of innovation and technology. From 3D printing (additive manufacturing) to CNC machining (subtractive manufacturing), modern engineers are required to bridge the gap between theory and real-world application. Recognizing this growing need, the University of Michigan’s College of Engineering has established a ground-breaking partnership with LS Manufacturing, a leading global on-demand manufacturing company. This collaboration—centred around the University of Michigan manufacturing partnership initiative—aims to provide students with hands-on experience in additive and subtractive manufacturing education, bridging academic theory with real-world industrial practices. Together, they are shaping the next generation of manufacturing engineers, innovators, and entrepreneurs. <ol> <li>Introduction</li> </ol> Manufacturing today is not just about producing parts; it’s about producing ideas, efficiency, and sustainability. The rise of additive manufacturing technologies such as 3D printing, alongside traditional subtractive manufacturing methods like CNC machining, has transformed how engineers design, test, and create. Yet, one challenge remains constant in academia—how can students gain real-world manufacturing experience before entering the workforce? Hands-on education is crucial to understanding how concepts like material tolerances, design for manufacturability (DFM), and prototyping translate from theory into production. To address this, the University of Michigan Engineering Department, in partnership with LS Manufacturing, launched a forward-thinking initiative to blend classroom learning with industrial collaboration. This partnership emphasizes rapid prototyping for academic research, student project sponsorship in CNC machining, and opportunities for real-world manufacturing experience for students through capstone project sponsorships and innovation-focused technical grants. <ol start="2"> <li>The Partnership’s Vision & Goals</li> </ol> The University of Michigan manufacturing partnership with LS Manufacturing was born from a shared vision: to cultivate a new generation of engineers fluent in both the digital and physical realms of production. Goal 1: Enhance Student Learning At its core, the partnership focuses on improving how students learn and apply manufacturing principles. By providing access to industrial-grade manufacturing equipment, students can design, prototype, and refine projects using professional tools like high-precision CNC machines and advanced 3D printers. This approach transforms the University of Michigan’s classrooms and labs into dynamic, industry-connected learning environments. Students don’t just learn about manufacturing—they experience it firsthand. Goal 2: Bridge Theory and Practice Engineering theory provides the foundation for design, but practice makes it meaningful. Through this partnership, students engage directly with industry partners from University of Michigan Engineering and LS Manufacturing experts. They receive practical insights into design for manufacturability (DFM), rapid prototyping, and low-volume production—critical skills that align with modern industry expectations. For instance, when developing prototypes, students can leverage rapid prototyping for academic research, gaining experience in both additive and subtractive processes. This real-world engagement ensures they are not only technically proficient but also ready to innovate efficiently. Goal 3: Foster Innovation Innovation thrives at the intersection of creativity and capability. The University of Michigan partnership supports student-led initiatives such as the Solar Car Team, Robotics Club, and Formula SAE by providing manufacturing expertise, technical feedback, and production services. From concept sketches to final assembly, LS Manufacturing’s involvement helps these teams iterate faster and smarter. This collaboration empowers students to push the boundaries of engineering innovation while gaining the confidence to lead future industry breakthroughs. <ol start="3"> <li>How the Partnership Works: The “LS Manufacturing Technical Grant”</li> </ol> At the heart of this collaboration lies the LS Manufacturing Technical Grant, a unique sponsorship-in-kind program designed to empower student innovation. Through this grant, LS Manufacturing offers selected University of Michigan student projects and faculty research initiatives a combination of expert DFM feedback, rapid prototyping services, and production support using state-of-the-art CNC machining, 3D printing, and injection molding technologies. This model represents a corporate sponsorship in manufacturing that prioritizes educational value and accessibility. Rather than a traditional cash grant, it provides students with tangible, high-impact resources—professional-grade components, real-time consultation, and access to global production networks. Application Process The process is simple and inclusive. Student teams, faculty members, or research labs can apply through the University of Michigan Engineering Department’s partnership portal. Applicants outline their project goals, design needs, and desired manufacturing processes. Selected participants receive LS Manufacturing’s technical support to bring their designs to life. This initiative promotes student project sponsorship in CNC machining and similar technologies, encouraging students to prototype and test ideas efficiently. It’s a hands-on, learning-by-doing opportunity that merges academic ambition with industrial capability. <ol start="4"> <li>Expected Impact & Benefits for UM Students</li> </ol> The collaboration’s impact extends far beyond the classroom. It delivers a transformative learning experience by combining advanced technology, mentorship, and real-world exposure. Access to Global Manufacturing Networks Through LS Manufacturing’s online instant quoting platform, students gain access to a vast global manufacturing network. They can upload designs, receive cost estimates instantly, and understand how design choices affect pricing and feasibility. This mirrors real-world industry practices, preparing them for professional engineering roles where digital manufacturing tools are essential. Reduced Project Costs and Lead Times Student projects often face challenges such as limited funding and long turnaround times. LS Manufacturing helps address both issues by providing cost-effective production support and faster lead times. Whether it’s producing a prototype for a capstone project or components for research testing, students can move from concept to prototype at record speed. Skill Development and Industry Interaction Beyond technical proficiency, this partnership develops professional skills—teamwork, communication, and project management. Students interact directly with LS Manufacturing’s engineering experts, gaining feedback on design feasibility and manufacturing optimization. Such exposure provides a window into real-world manufacturing experience, helping them bridge the often-cited gap between academia and industry. Accelerated Research and Innovation For faculty and graduate researchers, access to LS Manufacturing’s rapid prototyping services means faster testing and iteration cycles. Projects that once took months to prototype can now progress in weeks, enabling researchers to focus more on innovation and less on logistical barriers. Ultimately, this partnership enhances not just student outcomes, but the entire research ecosystem at the University of Michigan. <ol start="5"> <li>About LS Manufacturing</li> </ol> LS Manufacturing is a global leader in on-demand manufacturing and rapid prototyping services, empowering innovators and engineers to move from prototype to production with speed and precision. Their core capabilities include CNC machining, 3D printing, injection molding, and sheet metal fabrication—making them a one-stop solution for any stage of the manufacturing process. Through collaborations with academic institutions, LS Manufacturing demonstrates its commitment to supporting education, innovation, and workforce development. By working with the University of Michigan, the company is investing in the future of engineering talent and helping shape the next generation of manufacturing leaders. To learn more about their services and mission, visit <a class="external" href="http://www.lsrpf.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">www.lsrpf.com</a>. <ol start="6"> <li>Conclusion & Looking Ahead</li> </ol> The partnership between the University of Michigan and LS Manufacturing exemplifies what’s possible when academia and industry work hand in hand. By merging additive and subtractive manufacturing education with real-world applications, the collaboration equips students with the tools, experience, and confidence to lead the future of manufacturing. Through the LS Manufacturing Technical Grant, University of Michigan students are not only designing innovative products but also learning how to manufacture them efficiently—a skill set that’s indispensable in the global economy. As this partnership continues to grow, it promises to inspire new research collaborations, support entrepreneurial initiatives, and redefine how engineering education meets the demands of modern manufacturing. The future of the industry depends on creative thinkers, hands-on problem solvers, and innovators—and this program ensures they’re ready to lead. <ol start="7"> <li>Call to Action (For the UM Audience)</li> </ol> Faculty and student teams interested in exploring manufacturing innovation or applying for the LS Manufacturing Technical Grant are encouraged to contact the University of Michigan College of Engineering Department of Mechanical Engineering or visit the UM Engineering Partnership Page for more information. This is more than a sponsorship—it’s a movement toward redefining how students learn, design, and build. Together, the University of Michigan and LS Manufacturing are crafting the future of engineering education—one prototype at a time. FAQs <ol> <li>What is the University of Michigan manufacturing partnership with LS Manufacturing?</li> </ol> The University of Michigan manufacturing partnership with LS Manufacturing is a collaborative program designed to give students hands-on experience in modern manufacturing technologies. It combines additive (3D printing) and subtractive (CNC machining) education, helping students bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world industrial practice. <ol start="2"> <li>How does the LS Manufacturing Technical Grant benefit University of Michigan students?</li> </ol> The LS Manufacturing Technical Grant provides selected students and faculty projects with in-kind sponsorship. This includes DFM (Design for Manufacturability) feedback, rapid prototyping services, and production support using advanced manufacturing technologies. It reduces project costs, shortens lead times, and gives students direct access to industry-level expertise. <ol start="3"> <li>Who can apply for the LS Manufacturing Technical Grant at the University of Michigan?</li> </ol> The grant is open to University of Michigan students, faculty members, and research teams involved in academic or innovation-based projects. Applications can be submitted through the University of Michigan Engineering Department’s partnership portal, detailing project goals and manufacturing requirements. <ol start="4"> <li>What kind of real-world experience do students gain through this partnership?</li> </ol> Students gain real-world manufacturing experience by collaborating directly with LS Manufacturing engineers, learning about design for manufacturability, rapid prototyping, and low-volume production. They also gain exposure to digital tools like instant quoting platforms and online manufacturing networks, preparing them for careers in modern industry. <ol start="5"> <li>How can faculty or student teams learn more about the LS Manufacturing partnership?</li> </ol> Interested participants can visit the University of Michigan College of Engineering’s Partnership Page or contact the department directly for detailed program information. The page includes application guidelines, eligibility details, and examples of past capstone project sponsorships supported by LS Manufacturing.

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Further help
by Emily Cioppa 29 Oct '25

29 Oct '25

Good evening, In addition to my previous question, I am also having difficulty appending chains. If I import molecular models into Chimera/ChimeraX that each have individual model names and singular Chain IDs, is there a way to combine these into a singular model and renumber the residues as one continuous sequence throughout the combined model? For example, I have three molecular models that are each components of a single RNA molecule, and each have their own pdb file and a singular Chain ID. I know how to physically orient all of them spatially and renumber the residues of each such that when hovering over the molecular model moving from 5’ to 3’ the sequence numbering is continuous and correct across all chains. However, even when I combine the three individual models into one at the beginning and change the chain IDs of all three to be the same ID at the end, when I view the combination model in sequence viewer, it has just appended all three chains together with no regard to residue order. Since each of the three models is a chunk of double helix, I would need the numbering to be in 5’ to 3’ order throughout the entire combination model sequence viewer, in the way that I have renumbered it and in the way that it is in the visible combined model/structure. Thank you for your help.

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Help with Chain ID commands
by Emily Cioppa 29 Oct '25

29 Oct '25

Good evening, I have a quick question regarding the changechains command in Chimera/ChimeraX. If I have a single model open that inherently has one single chain, is there a way to select a continuous strand of residues in the sequence and change the Chain ID of only the selected residues to something else? It seemed from my online research that this is possible, however, I cannot get it to work. Any advice would be appreciated as soon as possible. Thank you. Best, Emily Cioppa Research Assistant The Rockefeller University

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Average attribute
by Reza Khayat 29 Oct '25

29 Oct '25

Hi, How do I average atom attributes to residue attributes? Let's assume the attributes name is mapvalues. Thanks. Best wishes, Reza Reza Khayat, PhD City College of New York Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry

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Align x,y,z axis of Proteins
by Hübbers, Jan 29 Oct '25

29 Oct '25

Hey support, I have defined x, y, z symmetry axis for a protein complex by forcing axis through centroids of the different subunits. I also created x, y ,z axis that meet at the origin of my scene. Is it possible to align the protein axis to the scene axis? Best, Jan ________________________________________________________________ Dr. rer. nat. Jan W. Hübbers Postdoctoral researcher RWTH Aachen University, Institute for Biology I, Unit of Plant Molecular Cell Biology Assistant Features Editor The Plant Cell, American Society of Plant Biologists Worringerweg 1, 52074 Aachen, Germany +49 (0)241 80 28130 http://www.bio1.rwth-aachen.de/PlantMolCellBiology/index.html<https://urldefense.com/v3/__http:/www.bio1.rwth-aachen.de/PlantMolCellBiolo…> “The greatest value of a picture is when it forces us to notice what we never expected to see.” John W. Tukey

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ChimeraX pre-built tar package
by Elaine Meng 28 Oct '25

28 Oct '25

> On Oct 22, 2025, at 3:57 PM, Charitha Belluru Shetty via Chimera <chimera(a)cgl.ucsf.edu> wrote: > > Hi Team, > We have the license for ChimeraX in name of Jim Thorpe. Would it be possible to provide the pre-built tar package of the latest version for Redhat 9. > With the previous version we were able to download the pre-build tar package from your website (example: ChimeraX-0.93.tar.gz), but now I see there is only .rpm package (https://www.rbvi.ucsf.edu/chimerax/download.html ) which will need to be installed in the OS level. I was looking to get a pre-build tar file for the latest version so we can install it without having to do the rpm install. I am aware there is github source for ChimeraX where we can build but would greatly appreciate if you could provide tar installer. Thank you! > $ cat /etc/redhat-release > Red Hat Enterprise Linux release 9.4 (Plow) > Best Regards, > Charitha Shetty Hello Charitha Shetty, ChimeraX usage & support questions should be sent to chimerax-users(a)cgl.ucsf.edu <mailto:chimerax-users@cgl.ucsf.edu> (without any data that should be kept private) since the commercial licensing team cannot answer that type of thing. I've CCd that address so you don't need to send your question again. I don't see that as an option on our download page, so my guess is probably not, but we can see if others on the list respond. Regards, Elaine ----- Elaine C. Meng, Ph.D. UCSF Chimera(X) team Resource for Biocomputing, Visualization, and Informatics Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry University of California, San Francisco

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Problems with script
by George Tzotzos 28 Oct '25

28 Oct '25

I’d be grateful for your help My script is: # Auto-generated by make_chimerax_assets.py # Visualize L1 composition divergence on delta (1PN9) and epsilon (2IMI) open viz/delta_1PN9.pdb open viz/epsilon_2IMI.pdb defattr viz/delta_div.defattr model #1 defattr viz/epsilon_div.defattr model #2 style #1,#2 cartoon cartoon smoothRibbon true color byattribute divergence palette bluesred range 0,1 #1 color byattribute divergence palette bluesred range 0,1 #2 key colorbar palette bluesred range 0,1 label "Δ composition (L1)" pos 0.85,0.15 size 0.03,0.5 lighting soft zoom true When I try to open the color_delta_epsilon_divergence.cxs (see above), I get: RuntimeError: Not a ChimeraX session file File "/Applications/ChimeraX-1.10.1.app/Contents/Library/Frameworks/Python.framework/Versions/3.11/lib/python3.11/site-packages/chimerax/core/session.py", line 798, in restore raise RuntimeError("Not a ChimeraX session file”) Thank you

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MCP for ChimeraX
by Alexis Rohou 27 Oct '25

27 Oct '25

Hi all, I would like to use ChimeraX via an agent. Quick googling suggests I'm not the first person to think of this (here <https://github.com/chatmol/molecule-mcp>, here <https://github.com/GDAmitha/chimerax-alphafold-mcp>), but before I dive in I thought I'd check - anyone else actively working on this? Or maybe you have worked on it and hit a roadblock? Cheers, Alexis

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Problem with Boltz-2
by Dr. Oscar Perez 23 Oct '25

23 Oct '25

Hello ChimeraX Support, I am trying to use Boltz within ChimeraX to analyze ligand binding affinity, but I cannot find the corresponding option. I do not see any menu item or text that says “Predict Binding Affinity for.” [cid:51284bde-0c95-4cd2-bdd4-9570eef8bf69] When I run an example similar to the one shown in your video for the HIV protease<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h06yOBcaOqc> to evaluate ligand interactions, I obtain the generated 3D structure, but no table with ligand prediction values is produced. I installed ChimeraX just yesterday, so I assume I am using the latest version. Boltz is installed inside ChimeraX as well. Could you please advise how I can obtain the ligand interaction values? Thank you, Oscar Oscar Perez-Leal, MD Associate Professor Moulder Center For Drug Discovery Research Temple University School of Pharmacy 3307 N Broad St, Room 556 Philadelphia, PA, 19140 Tel: 215-707-4871 [cid:e222d198-ed2f-42a9-91a3-dab997f1387c]<https://outlook.office.com/bookwithme/user/3647ce5c96e849969435512aaf86933a…> Book time to meet with me<https://outlook.office.com/bookwithme/user/3647ce5c96e849969435512aaf86933a…>

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Question about density map visualization for figures using ChimeraX
by Abhipsa Shatarupa 23 Oct '25

23 Oct '25

Hello, I am currently preparing figures for a publication and am using ChimeraX to render a density map. The color of the mesh representation I am using is set to *licorice*, but after I save the image in TIFF/PNG format at 7602 × 5680 resolution, the mesh appears quite faint. Could you please advise on how to make the density appear darker or more prominent in the saved image? Thank you! -Abhipsa

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