Crafting a more pristine tomorrow through manufacturing innovations

In the realm of manufacturing, sustainability has become a key focus in recent years. John Hart, a professor of mechanical engineering and the director of the Laboratory for Manufacturing and Productivity at MIT, views the CHIPS Act as a testament to this growing interest. The act, signed into law in August 2021, aims to drastically expand the U.S. semiconductor industry while strengthening supply chains, investing in R&D for new technological breakthroughs, and investing in domestic manufacturing.

One company leading the charge in sustainable manufacturing is Via Separations. Founded by Shreya Dave '09, SM '12, PhD '16, this company specializes in efficient and cheaper chemical filtration. Their membranes, made with graphene oxide, can withstand high temperatures and harsh conditions, making them ideal for various industries. In the pulp and paper industry, Via Separations' technology can make the process 84% more efficient. The company is currently focusing on the pulp and paper industry as their beachhead market, but they have also developed a system that makes the recovery of "black liquor" more energy efficient.

Another company making waves in sustainable manufacturing is Gradiant. Founded in 2012 in Spain by Anurag Bajpayee SM '08, PhD '12, and Prakash Govindan PhD '12, Gradiant offers sustainable water solutions for manufacturing. Their Carrier Gas Extraction (CGE) technology treats and cleans wastewater produced by manufacturing plants for reuse, conserving millions of gallons of water each year. In the semiconductor industry, Gradiant's technology can recycle 98-99% of the water required by fabrication plants, making it pure enough to be put back into the manufacturing process.

VulcanForms, a company that specializes in additive manufacturing at industrial scale, is also contributing to a more sustainable way to manufacture parts and products. Their machines can print layers of metal thinner than a human hair, enabling exceptional quality and productivity. The pore size and surface chemistry of Via Separations' membranes can be calibrated to the customer's needs, offering a customizable solution for various industries.

As mechanical engineers play a crucial role in the transition to a low-carbon economy and the development of sustainable manufacturing technologies, innovations like those from Via Separations, Gradiant, and VulcanForms are a promising step towards a more eco-friendly future. Factories and plants can deplete local water reserves and generate vast amounts of waste, some of which can be toxic. By focusing on efficiency, resource conservation, and waste reduction, these companies are helping to mitigate the environmental impact of manufacturing.