The University of Oklahoma (OU) and Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) have formed a strategic collaboration to establish an additive manufacturing center in Norman, Oklahoma. The new facility will build upon OU’s existing Sooner Advanced Manufacturing Laboratory and ORNL’s Manufacturing Demonstration Facility. It will focus on metal additive manufacturing solutions specifically for aerospace and defense applications.
The partnership brings together OU’s Oklahoma Aerospace and Defense Innovation Institute (OADII) and ORNL to advance research in metal additive manufacturing, hybrid manufacturing, machining, and data analytics. The initiative will also emphasize training and workforce development in these fields. This collaboration aims to support Department of Defense priorities while utilizing ORNL’s technical capabilities in materials science and advanced manufacturing.
“This long-term partnership with Oak Ridge National Laboratory fully aligns with the recently published update of OU’s strategic plan,” said Gen Robin Rand (USAF, ret.), OADII’s executive director. “Our deliberate push to advance additive manufacturing research is fueling innovation and economic prosperity in Oklahoma and reducing risk to our nation’s defense.”
The center is expected to provide significant support to Tinker Air Force Base and other regional facilities including the Air Force Sustainment Center and the Air Force Research Laboratory. Its work will focus on developing qualified additive manufacturing processes that enhance the sustainment and readiness of U.S. Air Force assets.
ORNL will contribute expertise gained from establishing the Manufacturing Demonstration Facility, which is supported by the Department of Energy’s Advanced Materials and Manufacturing Technologies Office. The collaboration represents a combination of ORNL’s manufacturing expertise with OU’s academic and research capabilities.
Source: ou.edu