University of Oklahoma and ORNL AM Collaboration

Moe Khaleel, associate laboratory director, National Security Sciences, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, shakes hands with Carol L. Silva, interim vice president for research and partnerships, University of Oklahoma, during the signing ceremony. Credit: University of Oklahoma

The University of Oklahoma and Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) have entered a strategic collaboration to establish a cutting-edge additive manufacturing center based in Norman, OK. Building on the university’s existing Sooner Advanced Manufacturing Laboratory and ORNL’s Manufacturing Demonstration Facility, the new center will focus on pioneering additive manufacturing (AM) solutions for aerospace and national defense needs.

The University of Oklahoma’s Oklahoma Aerospace and Defense Innovation Institute (OADII) and ORNL will collaborate to enhance research, training, and workforce development in AM, hybrid manufacturing, machining, and data analytics.

Through OADII and the Gallogly College of Engineering, the University of Oklahoma supports Department of Defense priorities, including sustainment and modernization. ORNL contributes exceptional technical expertise in materials science and advanced manufacturing, equipping the partnership with the necessary tools and talent to foster innovation.

This center is set to play a vital role in ensuring sustainment and mission readiness at Tinker Air Force Base and other key facilities in the region, such as the Air Force Sustainment Center and the Air Force Research Laboratory.