Uploaded January 2026 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
Lincoln Electric and the Department of Energy’s Manufacturing Demonstration Facility at Oak Ridge National Laboratory have collaborated to advance large-scale metal additive manufacturing using wire-arc processes. By combining Lincoln Electric’s legacy in arc welding with ORNL’s research capabilities, the teams have demonstrated new ways to fabricate large, complex metal components with speed and precision.
Through this partnership, the collaborators explored how robotic systems, intelligent controls, and multi-material deposition can expand the design space for industrial components used in energy, infrastructure, aerospace, and defense applications. Their work also showcases how multi-arm systems such as MedUSA can accelerate fabrication while supporting demanding performance requirements.
In this video, learn more about:
· How wire-arc additive manufacturing builds large-scale metal parts using robotic welding technology
· How complex geometries, multi-material options, and high deposition rates expand manufacturing possibilities
· How MedUSA uses multiple robotic arms to increase speed, efficiency, and process flexibility
· How AI-driven optimization and intelligent controls support material performance and fabrication accuracy
· How fast-turnaround metal printing helped replace a critical component for the Poe Lock in Michigan
About the collaboration
Since 2016, Lincoln Electric and ORNL’s Manufacturing Demonstration Facility have worked together to develop and refine wire-arc additive manufacturing systems, explore new materials, and demonstrate real-world applications — including the fabrication of large metal components needed across key U.S. sectors. This partnership highlights how industry and national laboratories can strengthen domestic manufacturing capabilities and accelerate the adoption of new production technologies.
The C4 Partnering Model
The MDF is the model for DOE’s national laboratory system’s C4 Partnering Model, which works to increase cross-sector collaboration, shorten technology development cycles, and strengthen regional manufacturing ecosystems. Learn more about C4 partnering opportunities at sandia.gov/c4/.
ORNL is using #BigScience to make a big impact. Learn more: ornl.gov/bigscience
Lincoln Electric and the Department of Energy’s Manufacturing Demonstration Facility at Oak Ridge National Laboratory have collaborated to advance large-scale metal additive manufacturing using wire-arc processes. By combining Lincoln Electric’s legacy in arc welding with ORNL’s research capabilities, the teams have demonstrated new ways to fabricate large, complex metal components with speed and precision.
Through this partnership, the collaborators explored how robotic systems, intelligent controls, and multi-material deposition can expand the design space for industrial components used in energy, infrastructure, aerospace, and defense applications. Their work also showcases how multi-arm systems such as MedUSA can accelerate fabrication while supporting demanding performance requirements.
In this video, learn more about:
· How wire-arc additive manufacturing builds large-scale metal parts using robotic welding technology
· How complex geometries, multi-material options, and high deposition rates expand manufacturing possibilities
· How MedUSA uses multiple robotic arms to increase speed, efficiency, and process flexibility
· How AI-driven optimization and intelligent controls support material performance and fabrication accuracy
· How fast-turnaround metal printing helped replace a critical component for the Poe Lock in Michigan
About the collaboration
Since 2016, Lincoln Electric and ORNL’s Manufacturing Demonstration Facility have worked together to develop and refine wire-arc additive manufacturing systems, explore new materials, and demonstrate real-world applications — including the fabrication of large metal components needed across key U.S. sectors. This partnership highlights how industry and national laboratories can strengthen domestic manufacturing capabilities and accelerate the adoption of new production technologies.
The C4 Partnering Model
The MDF is the model for DOE’s national laboratory system’s C4 Partnering Model, which works to increase cross-sector collaboration, shorten technology development cycles, and strengthen regional manufacturing ecosystems. Learn more about C4 partnering opportunities at sandia.gov/c4/.
ORNL is using #BigScience to make a big impact. Learn more: ornl.gov/bigscience
