When you step inside Mott Corporation’s Customer Innovation Center in Farmington, you don’t just see machines—you see innovation in motion. A 2024 recipient of Connecticut’s Additive Manufacturing Adoption Program (AMAP) grant, Mott is demonstrating how additive manufacturing can reshape design, push technical boundaries, and inspire other manufacturers across the state.
With state funding support, Mott purchased a commercial ceramic 3D printer to expand its capabilities beyond its existing metal additive offerings. But their additive journey is about more than equipment—it’s about reimagining what’s possible in design and manufacturing.
“Additive allows us to consolidate parts, extend longevity, and open up entirely new possibilities.”
— Vince Palumbo, Mott's Director of Advanced Technology
“For example, we’ve developed the ability to print pore sizes down to the single-digit micron level. That capability is transformative for filtration and flow control applications, especially in markets like semiconductors where purity and precision are everything," said Palumbo.
Taking Guided Steps into Additive
Led by Palumbo and Additive R&D Engineer Nathan Donahue, Mott has advanced projects ranging from pharmaceutical spargers to hydrogen fuel cell components. In a recent project with Toyota Research Institute of North America, they printed AI-generated lattice structures designed to optimize gas diffusion in fuel cells.
“What excites me most is the ability to translate complex models into real parts that match performance predictions," said Donahue. “We printed a thin gas diffusion layer plate with controlled porosity that simply couldn’t be produced any other way."
"That’s when you realize the potential of additive—it unlocks designs once thought impossible."
— Nathan Donahue, Mott's Additive R&D Engineer
Before adopting the technology, Mott carefully researched, tested, partnered with experts, and applied for state funding to offset costs. Their deliberate approach shows small and mid-sized manufacturers that adopting advanced technology isn’t a leap. It’s a series of guided steps.
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CCAT's Role in the Journey
CCAT has been a key partner in Mott’s additive journey. As administrator of the AMAP program, we provide more than funding—we empower manufacturers through consultations and demonstrations, technology guidance, hands-on training, and access to world-class labs. Together, we help companies explore, test, and adopt new technologies with confidence.
“Mott has achieved a level of maturity in metal additive that few manufacturers reach.”
— Emily Turcan, CCAT's Business Development Manager
“They’ve moved beyond prototyping into qualified production for aerospace and defense, demonstrating both process control and scalability," said Turcan.
“It’s fantastic to see a Connecticut manufacturer being an early adopter of cutting-edge technologies," said Oscar Montanez, CCAT’s Additive Manufacturing Lead. “Mott is proving that additive isn’t just for the largest OEMs. It’s a tool that can strengthen our state’s industrial base and impact critical industries like defense.”
By meeting manufacturers where they are, we help companies adopt advanced technologies with confidence, reduce process time, improve quality, and cut costs to stay competitive.
A Model for Manufacturers
For Mott, additive manufacturing isn’t about replacing existing advanced processes—it’s about complementing them and expanding what’s possible.
“Early on, the perception was that additive was here to replace our existing methods,” said Palumbo.
“We’ve proven it’s a complementary tool—one that’s helping us broaden our catalog, add new product offerings, and create solutions our customers didn’t think were possible.”
— Vince Palumbo
With the right mix of equipment, expertise, and support, Mott is showing that advanced technologies are within reach for manufacturers of all sizes. Their success demonstrates how taking thoughtful steps into additive can spark innovation and inspire an entire community.
Learn more about Mott Corporation here
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About Voices of Innovation
Voices of Innovation spotlights leaders across the region's manufacturing ecosystem who are embracing technology adoption and workforce training to drive performance, innovation, and growth. Through first-hand insights from our partners, we explore the real-world impact of digital transformation and how companies are preparing for the future of advanced manufacturing.
To learn more about the series, or how CCAT helps drive smarter manufacturing, contact us at tnt@ccat.us.
