About the Conference

Welcome to the Premier International Advanced Manufacturing Research Conference

Penn State, through the Department of Mechanical Engineering and the Harold and Inge Marcus Department of Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering, will host the co-located 54th NAMRI/SME North American Manufacturing Research Conference (NAMRC) and the ASME International Manufacturing Science and Engineering Conference (MSEC) 2026. The conference will take place June 14–18, in State College, Pennsylvania.

Bringing together researchers, practitioners, and industry leaders from around the world, the conference will spotlight cutting-edge advances across manufacturing systems and processes, additive manufacturing, smart manufacturing, cyber-physical systems, and materials processing. The week-long program will feature keynote addresses, peer-reviewed technical sessions, expert panels, tutorials, networking events, industry night, and award ceremonies, designed to accelerate collaboration, share breakthroughs, and strengthen the advanced manufacturing community.

Penn State

Penn State is a leading public research university known for academic excellence, high-impact research, and public service. Serving more than 90,000 students across campuses statewide and through its online World Campus, the University is supported by about 20,000 faculty and staff. Classified as an R1 institution, Penn State drives top-tier research and innovation. Its statewide Extension network, Innovation Campuses, and Research and Education Centers strengthen communities and industry. University Park offers an exceptional conference setting.

College of Engineering and Host Departments

The Penn State College of Engineering leads nationally in education, research, and innovation, advancing interdisciplinary, real-world solutions through cutting-edge research, experiential learning, and strong industry partnerships. Penn State Mechanical Engineering is a dynamic community of more than 60 faculty, 400 graduate students, and 1,000 undergraduates working across areas such as energy, health, and transportation. The Harold and Inge Marcus Department of Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering, founded in 1908 as the world’s first industrial engineering program, offers broad-based strengths spanning manufacturing, human factors, operations research, and supply chain/service systems engineering.

NAMRC and NAMRI/SME

NAMRC is North America’s longest-running international forum for advanced manufacturing research. Organized by the North American Manufacturing Research Institution of SME (NAMRI/SME), it has convened annually since 1973 to advance the scientific foundations of discrete-parts manufacturing. NAMRC is known for rigorous, peer-reviewed papers and open technical exchange. Participants from universities, national laboratories, industrial think tanks, and leading companies present breakthroughs in manufacturing processes and systems, including machining and forming, additive and hybrid manufacturing, automation and smart manufacturing, cyber-physical systems, metrology, and data-driven methods. The conference also prioritizes collaboration through special sessions, structured discussions, and awards recognizing research impact, service, and achievement. SME, supporting NAMRI/SME for 85+ years, connects industry, educators, and students, strengthening technology advancement, workforce development, and career awareness aligned with NAMRC’s mission.

MSEC, ASME, and the Manufacturing Engineering Division

MSEC, sponsored by ASME’s Manufacturing Engineering Division (MED), is the foremost annual forum for scholarly exchange in manufacturing science and engineering. Each June, MSEC features technical talks, posters, and panels that highlight emerging directions and foundational advances across manufacturing. ASME, founded in 1880, supports the global engineering community through conferences, publications, training, and widely adopted codes and standards that enhance safety and performance. Within ASME, MED provides a focused home for manufacturing researchers and practitioners, shaping technical programming and creating pathways for sustained collaboration.

Why the Co-located NAMRC + MSEC Matters

Co-located since 2011, NAMRC and MSEC create a single, high-density venue for sharing frontier research, building partnerships, and connecting with the next generation of R&D talent. The combined meeting typically draws 600+ attendees and features 300+ technical presentations, alongside panels, workshops, tours, and early-career programming, making it a premier week for learning, networking, and accelerating impact.