News Releases

In partnership with A.J. Tuck Company, scientists at the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) have developed a new manufacturing approach that could simplify production of critical components for advanced nuclear reactors and other energy and defense applications. The method combines 3D printing and electroforming to produce complex, leak-free hot isostatic pressing (HIP) cans, sealed containers used to form high-performance metal parts from powder materials under high heat and pressure. This approach for making HIP cans could speed up production and reduce reliance on constrained supply chains.

The Department of Energy's Oak Ridge and Idaho national laboratories announced a collaboration to expand the domestic supply chain of industrial pressure vessels. Together, the labs will help enable wire arc 3D printing of these large components, which are critical for energy-related industries and capable of reliably withstanding harsh service conditions. The initiative boosts the rapid expansion of U.S. nuclear manufacturing capabilities.

M. Parans Paranthaman, an expert in solid-state chemistry and materials science at the Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory, has been named R&D World’s 2026 Researcher of the Year. The honor recognizes his career translating fundamental materials research into practical technologies with real-world applications. Paranthaman, an ORNL Corporate Fellow and UT-Battelle Distinguished Inventor, joined ORNL in 1993. He has authored more than 500 peer-reviewed publications and possesses 65 U.S. patents.