The University of Oklahoma and Oak Ridge National Laboratory have announced the opening of a new additive manufacturing center in Norman, Oklahoma. The center will combine University of Oklahoma's Sooner Advanced Manufacturing Laboratory and Oak Ridge National Laboratory's Manufacturing Demonstration Facility to focus on developing metal additive manufacturing solutions for the aerospace industry and national defense.
The University of Oklahoma is launching a new center focused on hybrid manufacturing, machining, and data analytics. The center will utilize the university's existing resources to enhance student education and contribute to regional economic development. Zahed Siddique, associate dean for research at University of Oklahoma's Gallogly College of Engineering, stated, "Collaborating on cutting edge manufacturing technology will enrich the student educational experience, expand research impact and enhance economic development opportunities in Oklahoma." The center is part of University of Oklahoma’s updated strategic plan and aims to support innovation and economic growth. Gen Robin Rand (USAF, ret.), executive director of University of Oklahoma's Oklahoma Aerospace and Defense Innovation Institute, said, "This long-term partnership with Oak Ridge National Laboratory fully aligns with the recently published update of OU’s strategic plan," and added, "Our deliberate push to advance additive manufacturing research is fueling innovation and economic prosperity in Oklahoma and reducing risk to our nation's defense," according to the Oak Ridge National Laboratory.
Oak Ridge National Laboratory is partnering with the University of Oklahoma to apply its expertise in materials science and advanced manufacturing to support U.S. Air Force asset sustainment and readiness. Craig Blue, Oak Ridge National Laboratory’s chief manufacturing officer, stated, "By combining ORNL’s deep expertise in advanced manufacturing with OU’s strong academic and research foundation, we are creating a dynamic ecosystem for innovation." He added, "This collaboration is not only about advancing technology — it’s about accelerating the transition of breakthrough solutions into real-world defense applications where speed, precision and readiness matter most." The partnership aims to enhance national security by advancing additive manufacturing processes for the U.S. Air Force. Moe Khaleel, Oak Ridge National Laboratory’s associate laboratory director, said, "This partnership between OU and ORNL will have substantial impact on our national security, particularly by advancing qualified additive manufacturing processes for the sustainment and readiness of U.S. Air Force assets."
