ORNL Energy Science

Energy science news from Oak Ridge National Lab. @ORNL is managed by UT-Battelle for the Department of Energy.

[ORNL Energy Science @ORNLEnergy]

At ORNL, a new 3D-printable aluminum alloy was developed in under three years, pushing performance well beyond traditional aluminum. DuAlumin-3D operates at temperatures up to 150°C higher than conventional alloys while maintaining strength. ✈️ https://t.co/8w6eVPjhTB

[ORNL Energy Science @ORNLEnergy]

“It’s always interesting to see that moment when it clicks that this is something completely different from what they expected.” Scientist Alex Plotkowski recently spoke with students in a USCAR manufacturing course about metal additive manufacturing. https://t.co/c9j9GSRpdw

[ORNL Energy Science @ORNLEnergy]

A new approach to CNC machines lowers cost and expands capability without scaling up the machine. Instead of cast-iron, an ORNL team used additive manufacturing to produce a thermoplastic mold, then filled it with rebar-reinforced concrete. https://t.co/0I70xp4Hbo.

[ORNL Energy Science @ORNLEnergy]

⚓ New fuel pathways could reshape maritime shipping. @ORNL and ExxonMobil are studying how next-generation lubricants perform in those environments using the Enterprise marine research engine, supporting more efficient, reliable marine transportation.
🔗 https://t.co/peHgfQ4QMI

[ORNL Energy Science @ORNLEnergy]

Hidden underground tunnels can threaten critical infrastructure, but they are difficult to detect. @ORNL demonstrated a new approach to tunnel detection by reversing the traditional method and transmitting sound upward from below the tunnel. 🔗 https://t.co/YHAG8QbCSE

[ORNL Energy Science @ORNLEnergy]

@ORNL researcher Cait Clarkson received the SAMPE Young Professional Emerging Leadership Award for advancing polymers, composites and additive manufacturing research that’s helping drive the future of manufacturing innovation.

Learn more: https://t.co/D8FOIMkAs2

[ORNL Energy Science @ORNLEnergy]

ORNL's Peregrine is an AI-enabled quality control system that monitors powder-bed printing in real time. Instead of waiting until after a build to find defects, Peregrine analyzes the process as it happens — detecting anomalies and alerting operators. 🪶 https://t.co/igCIkjE62b

[ORNL Energy Science @ORNLEnergy]

👏 Congratulations to @ORNL’s Sana Elyas on being elected president of SAMPE North America for 2026-2027. Her leadership continues to advance collaboration and innovation in manufacturing and materials science. 🔗 https://t.co/xWQL22lXuT

[ORNL Energy Science @ORNLEnergy]

Congratulations to Vivek Sujan on being named @ORNL Inventor of the Year. With more than 200 patents worldwide, Sujan’s work in mobility systems, transportation research, and energy technologies continues to shape a smarter transportation future. 👏 https://t.co/m0HFLG6VfS

[ORNL Energy Science @ORNLEnergy]

ORNL developed a new manufacturing approach that could make it faster to produce the large metal parts used in power systems, aerospace, and nuclear energy. The process combines 3D printing with high heat and pressure to turn metal powder into components. https://t.co/iJt2dDffZy

[ORNL Energy Science @ORNLEnergy]

@ORNL researchers developed a new automated tool that can catch mistakes in real time while #3Dprinting giant plastic parts — saving money, reducing waste and boosting American manufacturing. #computervision #AI 🔗 https://t.co/xtJFaVRVyr

[ORNL Energy Science @ORNLEnergy]

Improving equipment for smooth power delivery in the #electricgrid: Researchers at @ORNL developed a lighter, smaller power converter that boosts efficiency with a gallium nitride semiconductor provided by #ROHM.
🔗 https://t.co/fPZgdacpYG

[ORNL Energy Science @ORNLEnergy]

“It’s always interesting to see that moment when it clicks that this is something completely different from what they expected.” Scientist Alex Plotkowski recently spoke with students in a USCAR manufacturing course about metal additive manufacturing. https://t.co/c9j9GSRpdw

[ORNL Energy Science @ORNLEnergy]

Students from the Vanderbilt School of Engineering toured ORNL’s Hardin Valley Campus recently as part of Vanderbilt’s Maymester course, Modern Automotive Manufacturing. Great to host and share some of the work happening across ORNL!

[ORNL Energy Science @ORNLEnergy]

Congratulations to Vivek Sujan on being named @ORNL Inventor of the Year. With more than 200 patents worldwide, Sujan’s work in mobility systems, transportation research, and energy technologies continues to shape a smarter transportation future. 👏 https://t.co/m0HFLG6VfS

[ORNL Energy Science @ORNLEnergy]

A new approach to CNC machines lowers cost and expands capability without scaling up the machine. Instead of cast-iron, an ORNL team used additive manufacturing to produce a thermoplastic mold, then filled it with rebar-reinforced concrete. https://t.co/0I70xp4Hbo.

[ORNL Energy Science @ORNLEnergy]

Automation is reshaping manufacturing. At @ORNL’s Manufacturing Demonstration Facility, researchers advance robotics and integrated systems, validating technologies at relevant scale and helping ready innovations for industrial deployment.

[ORNL Energy Science @ORNLEnergy]

ORNL partnered with MSC Industrial Supply Co. to make a long-known technique — modal tap testing — practical for everyday shop use. The result is MillMax: a system that helps machinists quickly identify the best cutting parameters for their specific setup. https://t.co/fKwAdlPlRH

[ORNL Energy Science @ORNLEnergy]

ORNL developed a new manufacturing approach that could make it faster to produce the large metal parts used in power systems, aerospace, and nuclear energy. The process combines 3D printing with high heat and pressure to turn metal powder into components. https://t.co/iJt2dDffZy

[ORNL Energy Science @ORNLEnergy]

A team of @ORNL researchers is participating in DOE’s Better Buildings & Better Plants Summit, sharing practical solutions and emerging technologies to improve efficiency, resilience, and cost savings.