(ORNL: Oak Ridge, TN) -- The University of Oklahoma and Oak Ridge National Laboratory, the U.S. Department of Energy’s largest multiprogram science and energy laboratory, have entered a strategic collaboration to establish a cutting-edge additive manufacturing center based in Norman, Oklahoma.

Building on the university’s existing Sooner Advanced Manufacturing Laboratory and ORNL’s Manufacturing Demonstration Facility (MDF), the new center will focus on pioneering metal additive manufacturing solutions for aerospace and national defense needs.

OU’s Oklahoma Aerospace and Defense Innovation Institute (OADII) and ORNL will collaboratively advance research, training, and workforce development in metal additive manufacturing, hybrid manufacturing, machining, and data analytics.

“This long-term partnership with Oak Ridge National Laboratory fully aligns with the recently published update of OU’s strategic plan,” says retired U.S. Air Force Gen. Robin Rand, 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.”

Through OADII and the Gallogly College of Engineering, the University of Oklahoma supports U.S. Department of Defense priorities such as sustainment and modernization; ORNL brings unparalleled technical capabilities in materials science and advanced manufacturing, providing the partnership with the tools and talent to scale innovation.

“Our college is thrilled to enter into this partnership,” says Zahed Siddique, associate dean for research at the Gallogly College of Engineering. “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 expected to play a key role in supporting sustainment and mission readiness at Tinker Air Force Base and other critical centers across the region, including the Air Force Sustainment Center and the Air Force Research Laboratory.

“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,” says Moe Khaleel, ORNL associate laboratory director for National Security Sciences. “When the great people at our two institutions get together, with our collective resources, we will do big things for the nation.”

ORNL will leverage the capabilities and lessons learned in establishing the MDF, the nation’s foremost advanced manufacturing research environment.

“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,” says Craig Blue, ORNL’s chief manufacturing officer and director of Defense Manufacturing Programs. “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.” 

Follow these links to learn more about the capabilities of OU’s Oklahoma Aerospace and Defense Innovation Institute and the Oak Ridge National Laboratory.