Lockheed Martin is a long-time user of 3D printing and additive manufacturing technologies. The global security and aerospace organization, which employs approximately 115,000 people worldwide, is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services.
Yesterday the company’s Space Systems Advanced Technology Center (ATC) formally opened a new state-of-the-art laboratories building that will enable the company to continue and improve its provision of innovative technical solutions to customers with more agility and efficiency. This is as a result of the building, which is replacing two other 50 year old buildings, being designed and built to achieve green building council Silver Certification from the U.S. Green Building Council that recognizes best-in-class building strategies and practices including sustainability; water efficiency; energy efficiency and atmospheric quality; use of materials and resources; indoor environmental quality; and innovations in upgrades, operations and maintenance. The U.S. Green Building Council’s Building Rating System is a voluntary national standard for high-performance sustainable buildings.
The Advanced Materials & Thermal Sciences Center, with 82,000 square feet of floor space, will house 130 engineers, scientists and staff and, accordingly, the new laboratories will host advanced research and development in emerging technology areas like 3D printing, energetics, thermal sciences, nanotechnology, synthesis, high temperature materials and advanced devices.
Dr. Kenneth Washington, vice president of the ATC, commenting on the opening said: “This magnificent new facility will be home to many of the innovative technologies that will help shape the future of space payloads, satellites and missile systems.”
This was further backed up by Marshall Case, vice president of Infrastructure Services at Lockheed Martin Space Systems: “Our new Materials and Thermal Sciences Center is not just a home for innovation, it’s a shining example of the benefits of sustainable, environmentally-friendly practices. By replacing two other buildings that are each 50 years old with this new facility, we’ll save $1 million in annual maintenance costs, cut energy costs by more than 60 percent, and reduce our carbon footprint. This new facility is better for the environment, more affordable for our business and more versatile for our technologists.”
