Washington, D.C. – During the April in-state work period, U.S. Senator Markwayne Mullin (R-OK), visited the University of Oklahoma’s Sooner Advanced Manufacturing Lab (SAML) in Norman. SAML is at the forefront of high-tech manufacturing research and workforce training, serving both federal and industry partners. The lab is expanding through an exciting new collaboration with the Oak Ridge National Laboratory. 

While touring the lab, Senator Mullin met with OU students, including some employees from Tinker Air Force Base, and learned how they utilize the lab’s resources to design, test, and enhance manufacturing processes.

“The Sooner Advanced Manufacturing Lab (SAML) at OU is an incredible asset to the world-class defense industry in Oklahoma,” said Senator Mullin. “I am proud of the work they are doing to spur innovation and produce elite products.”

“The U.S. military and defense industrial base face constant challenges to speed up critical equipment repairs, reduce costs, and maintain legacy systems to ensure combat mission readiness. SAML is playing a crucial role in meeting these needs while also developing a skilled workforce to support Oklahoma’s growing defense sector,” Gen (ret.) Robin Rand, Executive Director of OU’s Oklahoma Aerospace and Defense Innovation Institute 

Background:

• SAML was established in 2021 following an initial $1.8 million federal grant to purchase a state-of-the-art direct metal 3D laser printer, enabling the on-site production of metallic (titanium) components used for characterization and analysis that is essential for optimizing advanced manufacturing processes.
• SAML combines education, research and development and industry support for the growth of the manufacturing and defense industries in Oklahoma. 
• OU’s expanded relationship with Oak Ridge National Lab will expand capabilities and establish a cutting-edge additive manufacturing center in Norman, which will collaboratively advance research, training and workforce development in metal additive manufacturing, hybrid manufacturing, machining and data analytics.

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