Mid-additive manufacturing process image.

Manufacturing Innovation

The United States’ most effective laboratory consortium model for accelerating manufacturing innovation for energy systems.

Several items produced using electron-beam additive manufacturing.

Scientific Leadership

The Manufacturing Demonstration Facility (MDF) is a world leader in advanced manufacturing research and development and is driving the adoption of new materials, software, and systems for energy applications.

Collaborate with MDF

Companies of all sizes can leverage ORNL’s expertise and the capabilities at MDF through fast-track user agreements to co-develop energy efficient, cost-saving technologies.

A laser cutting machine in operation at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory Manufacturing Demonstration Facility (MDF).
A polymer additive manufacturing machine at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory Manufacturing Demonstration Facility.

The MDF Model

The MDF’s unique structure for collaborating with industry, academia, and government forges stronger supply chains and rapidly distributes knowledge and technologies.

Recent Impacts

Enhancing Nuclear Research Efficiency

A research partnership between Oak Ridge National Laboratory and Idaho National Laboratory has accelerated inspection of additively manufactured nuclear components, and the effort is now expanding to inspect nuclear fuels.

MDF Hosts Innovation Days

The inaugural event brought together MDF Innovation Ecosystem partners for conversations about energy, development of collaborative opportunities, and strategies.

High-Speed Material Circularity

ORNL and AirTech demonstrated the efficiency of a circular economy, recycling expensive thermoplastic to create a new 3D-printed mold that can be recycled and reused over and over again.

Sponsorship

MDF is supported by the US Department of Energy’s Advanced Materials and Manufacturing Technologies Office.