Responding to emerging threats at the speed of technological change
Mechanical engineer Michelle Fenn helped design custom single-use ventilator ports using additive manufacturing techniques.
(Photo by Eric Francavilla and Graham Bourque | Pacific Northwest National Laboratory)
Technology is always advancing. These advances improve the speed, quality, and capability of the devices we use in our everyday world. However, those same technological advances enable the rapid evolvement of threats from our sponsors’ adversaries. The Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) rapid prototyping facilities are home to electronic, embedded systems and hardware innovation and development that improve the speed, quality, and capability of the devices commonly used in the field. From 3-D computer-aided design to 3-D printing, these facilities house a multitude of advanced tools for solving advanced engineering problems.
As needs and threats change and evolve, prototypes need to change and evolve just as quickly. World-class facilities and equipment at PNNL allow our team of experts to innovate at speeds never thought possible. For example, the Additive Center for Material Engineering Laboratory gives PNNL staff members the ability to increase the speed of innovation, including the development of rugged, fieldable devices.
These devices include:
Previously, developing hardware both required a significant amount of time and necessitated losing control of the designs by sending the design files to off-site, third-party companies to fabricate. Now, PNNL staff members can make sure designs stay safe by keeping them in-house. By creating closer integration with teams and engineers and providing them with state-of-the-art equipment, this facility can enable a quick response to sponsor needs as threats arise or field equipment is required quickly.
Rapid Prototyping Laboratories –