ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — A new advanced manufacturing center at Sandia National Laboratories is helping researchers design, test, and refine critical technologies faster than ever before.
The Center for Advanced Manufacturing and Innovation, known as CAMINO, is using advanced manufacturing tools, including 3D printing, to dramatically reduce the time needed to produce specialized components. Sandia officials say some parts that previously took four to six months to obtain through traditional machining can now be produced in as little as one week.
One recent project involved supporting Sandia’s Power Sources Technology Group, where engineers needed multiple versions of a component as part of a redesign effort. By using additive manufacturing, CAMINO was able to rapidly create and deliver prototype parts, allowing researchers to evaluate new ideas and make design improvements much more quickly.
The center also helped develop a 3D-printed substitute for a difficult-to-machine insulation material. Researchers say the surrogate material allowed teams to perform testing and make design changes in hours instead of weeks, reducing costs and accelerating development timelines.
Sandia officials say the faster turnaround is creating opportunities to explore innovative designs that may not be feasible through conventional manufacturing methods.
Beyond research and development, CAMINO is also focused on expanding education and workforce development opportunities. The center is partnering with the University of Texas at Austin to support advanced manufacturing instruction and plans to launch a course focused on national security applications next year.
CAMINO leaders say the facility is also working with local partners to help train future engineers and skilled workers, with an emphasis on workforce development and increasing awareness of advanced manufacturing technologies among students.
Officials describe CAMINO as a resource designed to help Sandia teams innovate more quickly while strengthening the advanced manufacturing workforce needed to support future national security missions.
