Siemens is collaborating with the Oak Ridge National Laboratory on research into advanced manufacturing. The laboratory is part of the US Department of Energy’s nationwide network of advanced research laboratories. Research is focusing on manufacturing analysis and simulation, materials development, large-scale metal systems, robotics and automation. The early-stage research and development at the Department of Energy’s Manufacturing Demonstration Facility is with multiple partners including National Laboratories.

Siemens reports that its collaboration with Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) on DOE-funded projects has enabled investigation of multiple methods of advanced manufacturing and materials solutions.

Recently, Siemens opened its new Charlotte Advanced Technology Collaboration Hub (CATCH) in Charlotte, NC. The new research and development hub, led by Siemens Digital Industries, Siemens Technology and Siemens Energy, is designed to accelerate adoption of additive manufacturing. Siemens will use CATCH to collaborate with machine builders (OEMs), end-users and US national laboratories on industrialisation of additive manufacturing.

“We recognise that our DOE-funded research is often best leveraged through regional and national collaborations like CATCH and the MDF, helping to advance additive manufacturing technology, drive workforce development and create a more efficient and de-carbonised manufacturing base,” said Bill Peter, Advanced Manufacturing Program Manager, Oak Ridge National Laboratory.

Dr Anand Kulkarni, Senior Principal Key Expert at Siemens Technology, commented, “The joint collaborative research done at MDF to address industrial problems demonstrates the success of the DOE’s MDF model and clearly shows the need for a path to industrialisation through similar hubs in industry focusing on higher technology readiness levels. Siemens launched its Charlotte Advanced Technology Collaboration Hub (CATCH) to fill this void”.

“We are excited to launch this new additive manufacturing hub and begin inviting customers in to collaborate and find ways to accelerate the industrialisation of this technology using our machine-agnostic solutions,” said Tim Bell, Additive Manufacturing Business Manager, Siemens Digital Industries. “The benefits of additive manufacturing are clear — from faster time-to-market to better design through digital prototypes, to localised manufacturing helping to reduce supply chain constraints. We believe that future of manufacturing is additive.”