The future of additive manufacturing is taking shape layer by layer at the Manufacturing Demonstration Facility (MDF) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. “FutureView,” brought to you by ZEISS Industrial Quality Solutions, is an IMTS+ Network Original Series that documents the development of technologies at the MDF that could revolutionize the manufacturing industry.
A unique collaboration between government, industry, and academia developed by the Department of Energy, the MDF aims to improve the competitiveness of U.S. manufacturers while reducing their carbon footprint. Over the course of four episodes, “FutureView” introduces viewers to the people behind the machines at the MDF.
In the first episode, the folks at the MDF take their very own moonshot, using the Big Area Additive Manufacturing machine to 3D print concrete molds to build machine tool bases. These molds are affordable, reusable, and can incorporate sensors.
We learn about the “secret sauce” of the MDF in the second episode, which involves gathering a lot of smart people and establishing a truly collaborative environment. The proof is in the fact that the facility can go from ideas to real printed parts in days – not years.
To truly use additive manufacturing at a large scale in industries that demand precision, every printed part has to be meticulously measured. The third episode focuses on the MDF’s partnership with ZEISS Industrial Quality Solutions to implement innovative CT scans of parts so they can be examined at the nano level – ensuring perfection you can’t see but absolutely need when it matters most, like in a nuclear reactor.
Finally, in the fourth episode, the MDF details its efforts to develop new methods for printing solar turbines for energy production. Using 3D printing, the facility is compressing design time, allowing them to efficiently try new designs and materials until they get it right. “Getting it right” means more efficient, cleaner energy production.
Continue to explore IMTS+, a new digital destination showcasing the people, connections, and inspirations of our community. You’re invited to this dynamic content platform to watch, read, and join the events and stories that drive the modern manufacturing industry. Start your journey today when you register at IMTS.com/IMTSplus.
"FutureView" premieres on June 16 at 10:00 a.m. CT and runs again at 2:00 p.m. CT only on IMTS.com.
