NETL has entered a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Oregon Manufacturing Innovation Center for Research and Development (OMIC R&D) to coordinate the development of new alloys and materials technologies for use in manufacturing applications.

This agreement unites the activities of the two organizations and plays to the strengths of their unique research capabilities that complement each other. NETL has expertise in materials development, alloy development, prototype alloy manufacturing (based on ingot metallurgy), characterization and performance under simulated service conditions and life-cycle modeling. OMIC R&D has experience and expertise in subtractive and additive manufacturing, and it has real-world experience in materials performance as it pertains to machining, machinability and service application.

The MOU provides an ideal basis for a scalable public-private partnership, providing a wider array of tools, capabilities, expertise, scientists, engineers and associated support programs that neither have nor can afford alone. Leveraging capabilities of NETL and OMIC R&D will support the acceleration of technology innovation, solutions and entrepreneurship for an expanding and robust advanced alloy and manufacturing supply chain comprised of startups, small and large businesses to benefit Oregon and the entire nation.

NETL is internationally recognized for its leadership in designing, developing, and deploying advanced materials for use in energy applications and extreme service environments, such as power plants, among others. The Lab’s accomplishments in this field of research includes the development of a world-leading radiopaque alloy for medical coronary stents; a corrosion-resistant refractory brick used in nearly all slagging gasifiers worldwide; and developing several advanced alloys for power generation applications.

As part of the Oregon Tech, the state’s polytechnic university, OMIC R&D was established to develop and apply advanced manufacturing technologies and processes for industrial competitive advantage and academic growth, while inspiring and educating the next generation’s manufacturing workforce.

“NETL has some of the best and brightest minds in alloy development, but OMIC R&D has great talent as well. By synergizing, we can more easily realize our shared goals,” said NETL Associate Director David Alman, who leads the Lab’s Materials Engineering & Manufacturing directorate. “Our Lab and OMIC R&D will inform each other of opportunities for collaboration on a routine basis. These collaborations will accelerate innovative solutions to critical and challenging materials and manufacturing problems.”

“Over the past several years OMIC R&D has been working in collaboration with Industry and Academia to overcome manufacturing challenges thereby increasing economic competitiveness and de-risking investments for regional and national companies,” OMIC R&D Business Development Manager Joshua Koch said. “The opportunity allows us to work with NETL in alloy development to enhance the options for today’s machine shops as well as undertake work to help make new alloys application ready.” 

NETL is a U.S. Department of Energy national laboratory that drives innovation and delivers technological solutions for an environmentally sustainable and prosperous energy future. By leveraging its world-class talent and research facilities, NETL is ensuring affordable, abundant and reliable energy that drives a robust economy and national security, while developing technologies to manage carbon across the full life cycle, enabling environmental sustainability for all Americans.