General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems (GA-EMS) and Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), part of the Department of Energy, have signed an agreement to work together on improving the manufacturing of advanced materials that can withstand extreme conditions. These materials are crucial for national security and help improve the competitiveness of industries like aerospace, defense, and energy. They are designed to endure high temperatures, radiation, corrosion, and heavy mechanical stress.
As part of this agreement, GA-EMS will test its manufacturing methods for materials like ceramic fibers and composites at ORNL’s Manufacturing Demonstration Facility (MDF). This facility helps support U.S. industries by providing resources to improve manufacturing processes. The partnership aims to find ways to use energy more efficiently, speed up production, and make sure that these special materials are available for industries and government agencies that need them.
GA-EMS will focus on creating better manufacturing methods for materials used in systems like carbon/carbon, carbon/silicon carbide, and silicon carbide composites. The goal is to improve production methods and apply these materials to advanced technologies like nuclear power, thermal protection for high-speed aircraft, and fusion energy. This collaboration will combine GA-EMS's new techniques with ORNL’s established processes to make production faster and more efficient through improved materials, better monitoring, and advanced heating processes.
Through this agreement, ORNL will also be able to contribute to new projects, helping improve the security and future of the nation's energy systems using advanced manufacturing technologies.
Executive Statement
According to Scott Forney, president of GA-EMS, the agreement creates a powerful partnership that will accelerate innovation, strengthen critical supply chains, and deliver advanced materials essential for national and energy security. The initiative complements their growing advanced materials and technology capabilities and launch of MAITrX, their Materials Acceleration, Innovation and Transition Exchange, developed to drive customized advanced materials technologies to commercial implementation. By maturing MAITrX capabilities, built on more than 60 years of nuclear expertise, with ORNL’s expertise, they are proactively positioning ourselves to tackle critical material challenges that support the safety and security of the U.S.