Siemens Sets Up Collaboration With Oak Ridge National Laboratory

Siemens has engaged in early-stage research and development projects with multiple partners including National Laboratories. The Department of Energy’s (DOE) Manufacturing Demonstration Facility (MDF) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) is an institution focusing on manufacturing analysis and simulation, materials development, large-scale metal systems, robotics and automation. The collaboration between Siemens and ORNL on multiple DOE-funded projects has enabled investigation of multiple methods of advanced manufacturing and materials solutions.

“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 industrialization through similar hubs in industry focusing on higher technology readiness levels," says Dr. Anand Kulkarni, senior principal key expert at Siemens Technology. "Siemens launched its Charlotte Advanced Technology Collaboration Hub (CATCH) to fill this void.”

Recently, Siemens opened its new Charlotte Advanced Technology Collaboration Hub in Charlotte, NC, a research and development hub. Image courtesy of Siemens.

“ORNL and the researchers at MDF are proud to collaborate with innovative industrial partners like Siemens to help advance and revitalize the U.S. manufacturing sector. We recognize 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-carbonized manufacturing base,” says Bill Peter, advanced nanufacturing program manager, Oak Ridge National Laboratory.

Recently, Siemens opened its new Charlotte Advanced Technology Collaboration Hub in Charlotte, NC. This new strategic research and development hub, spearheaded by Siemens Digital Industries, Siemens Technology and Siemens Energy, helps customers accelerate their plans for the industrialization of additive manufacturing (AM). Specifically, Siemens will use this space to collaborate with key machine builders (OEMs), end-users and U.S. national laboratories to ensure the successful industrialization of additive manufacturing.

“We are excited to launch this new additive manufacturing hub and begin inviting customers in to collaborate and find ways to accelerate the industrialization of this technology using our machine-agnostic solutions,” says 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 localized manufacturing helping to reduce supply chain constraints.”

To support its customers at CATCH, Siemens has accumulated a group of experts from several Siemens businesses and operating companies. CATCH will become one of seven hubs strategically placed at major AM ecosystems around the world with the focus of facilitating customer AM journeys.

Sources: Press materials received from the company and additional information gleaned from the company’s website.