3D Systems (NYSE: DDD) made small gains Thursday, on word that the Rock Hill, South Carolina-based firm has entered into a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) with Savannah River National Laboratory to accelerate innovation in additive manufacturing for advanced energy generation and national security applications.
The partnership centers on SRNL’s Advanced Manufacturing Collaborative, leveraging the facility’s unique position as South Carolina’s only national laboratory-operated site located on a public university campus.
Through this CRADA, SRNL and 3D Systems will jointly pursue advancements in materials development, equipment enhancements, artificial intelligence and machine learning-enabled process optimization, manufacturing systems, cybersecurity, and workforce development training.
“These efforts,” says this morning’s news release, “will drive the creation of next-generation AM materials, real-time process optimization tools, and scalable production solutions, along with the workforce that will enable the rapid adoption of advanced manufacturing technologies.”
“We look forward to partnering with SRNL at the Advanced Manufacturing Collaborative and deploying 3D Systems’ leading AM technologies,” said 3D CEO Jeff Graves.
“This agreement demonstrates the impact and importance of high-quality 3D printing materials and technologies on key industrial markets, particularly energy and national security, and on developing the skilled workforce those markets require.”
DDD shares inched up three cents to $3.33.
