Biz ‘Bite:’ Idaho’s CAES cuts ribbon for state-of-the-art new equipment

The Center for Advanced Energy Studies (CAES) in Idaho Falls hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony earlier this month for two new pieces of cutting-edge equipment intended to significantly strengthen the advanced materials research capabilities available to Idaho National Laboratory (INL) and the CAES universities. CAES is a research and education consortium between Idaho National Laboratory, Boise State University, Idaho State University and University of Idaho.

A ThermoFisher FEI Spectra 300 microscope provides ultra-high resolution that allows researchers to capture the behavior of dynamic materials in harsh environments such as the core of a nuclear reactor. It serves as the centerpiece of CAES’ Microscopy and Characterization Suite and expands opportunities for collaboration between the CAES universities and INL while complementing INL’s advanced manufacturing strategy, according to the announcement from CAES.

An Open Additive PANDA 3D metal printer provides printing structural materials for extreme environments. It is the centerpiece of CAES’ new Advanced Manufacturing Suite which accelerates and supports INL’s research and development into advanced manufacturing as well as its partnerships with academia, industry, federal agencies and national laboratories through the Nuclear Science User Facilities network, the announcement stated.