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Saving Energy and Resources

Thanks to additive manufacturing technology, Oak Ridge National Laboratory was able to fabricate a robotic hand with less energy use and material waste. The novel, lightweight, low-cost fluid powered hand was selected for a 2012 R&D 100 award. | Photo courtesy of Oak Ridge National Laboratory.

Partnering with Industry

The Energy Department's Manufacturing Demonstration Facility at Oak Ridge National Laboratory includes an array of state-of-the-art additive manufacturing capabilities, allowing researchers and industry to develop innovative manufacturing solutions. | Photo courtesy of Oak Ridge National Laboratory.

Date taken: 08/16/2012 - 09:17

An Additive Manufacturing First

With research help from the Energy Department's National Laboratories, Stratasys and Optomec Inc. developed a manufacturing first when they merged 3D printing and printed electronics. The two companies created the "smart wing" -- an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) model -- by using additive manufacturing technologies and printing fully functional electronics on the wing structure. | Photo courtesy of Optomec & Stratasys.

Date taken: 08/16/2012 - 09:14

Developing the Scientists of Tomorrow

Energy Secretary Steven Chu adds his signature to FIRST Robotics Competition entry from Hardin Valley Academy, Knoxville, TN. The robot was created using additive manufacturing as part of STEM -- Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics -- education outreach at the Energy Department's Manufacturing Demonstration Facility. Hardin Valley Academy's FIRST Robotics entry will be at today's National Network for Manufacturing Innovation pilot announcement. | Photo courtesy of Oak Ridge National Laboratory.

Date taken: 08/16/2012 - 09:02