The goals of the Center are to build a base of research that will significantly impact industrial practice and productivity through the application of advanced polymer and composite manufacturing technology. The research concentrates on manufacturing of polymeric materials via reactive liquid processing (e.g. resin transfer molding, pultrusion), melt processing (e.g. injection molding, gas-assisted injection molding, co-injection, injection-compression molding, fiber and film making, single screw and twin screw extrusion), powder molding (e.g. ultrasonic molding), and forming from sheet and bulk materials (SMC and BMC compression molding, thermoplastic stamping, fiber mat preforming). The interactions among materials, part design, processing conditions and product properties are the key concerns. To address these issues, the major research approaches include (1) characterization of material behavior under processing conditions, (2) computer modeling and simulation of manufacturing processes, (3) design for net shape manufacturing and product life cycle, and (4) novel concepts for material compounding, machining and tooling, processing methods, and on-line sensoring. In the upcoming five years of the program, CAPCE's activities at Ohio State will become integrated with those of the new research sites at Florida State University (FAC 2 T) and University of Wisconsin-Madison (EPIC/PEC).