National Prototype Center receives federal approval

The Department of Energy's Oak Ridge (TN) Y-12 Plant has been designated the National Prototype Center by the U.S. Senate. The center will provide support facilities for both the public and private sectors in their endeavors to develop prototypes. "Designating Y-12 as the National Prototype Center will highlight its ability to rapidly transform complex hardware designs into precision prototypes through the use of advance manufacturing techniques," states Tennessee Senator Fred Thompson. "It will also allow customers to take advantage of the resources of a world-class national laboratory." The center's core capabilities include: precision manufacturing; manufacturing and materials technology development; energy- and environment-conscious manufacturing; and metrology and quality assurance. Phone (800) 356-4USA.