ORNL Receives Award for Advanced Composite Manufacturing Technology
What happened
The annual ACE Awards ceremony was held in Atlanta, Georgia, on September 23, 2026. The National Laboratory of the Rockies received the Environmental Impact Design Award for its work on novel water-soluble polymer mandrels. This technology enables the production of large-format, additively manufactured, water-soluble polymer mandrels for lament winding Type V composite pressure vessels. The technology, developed in collaboration with JuggerBot3D, Infinite Composites, and Oklahoma State University, allows for fast, safe, and low-cost pressure vessel manufacturing, replacing expensive metal tooling.
Why it matters
The award recognizes a significant advancement in composite manufacturing processes. The technology increases the composite’s compression strength and tensile strength while dramatically improving performance under tension-tension fatigue. This innovation offers a scalable solution for specialized gas storage applications.
Who's involved
- National Laboratory of the RockiesRecipient of the Environmental Impact Design Award for advanced composite manufacturing technology.
- Oklahoma State UniversityCollaborator on the advanced composite vessel technology recognized by the award.
Who could feel it
Possible knock-on effectsThese are possibilities Brind reasoned out, not predictions, and not advice. Most are not stated in any report.
- National Laboratory of the RockiesSpeculative
Companies utilizing the technology could reduce manufacturing costs and increase production efficiency for specialized composite pressure vessels.
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The entities involved
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National Laboratory of the Rockies
United States national renewable energy laboratory
Nothing else this week.
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Oklahoma State University
public university in Oklahoma, United States of America