Explore Sandia’s AM expertise
Analysis Driven Design
To take advantage of the enhanced design freedom of AM, Sandia developed PLATO, a software tool that uses sophisticated computational algorithms to generate optimized designs. PLATO inverts the traditional design process by using engineering analyses to create a computer-optimized design, rather than validating a conceptual CAD-CAM design.
Materials Reliability
Confidence in the properties and performance of AM materials is critical for high-consequence applications. Sandia is using its world-class materials science and computational modeling expertise to improve fundamental understanding of process-microstructure-performance relationships.
Multi-Material AM
Sandia can process an exceptionally wide range of materials. Activities span the range from fundamental materials and process science, to the manufacture and evaluation of full-scale prototype hardware.
Success Stories
Sandia has a long history of developing AM technologies. For example, LENS (Laser Engineered Net Shaping) and Robocasting, pioneering metal and ceramic AM processes, were developed at Sandia and commercialized by industry partners. Today, Sandia continues to push the limits of new technology and applications with external partners.