Sandia elevates advanced manufacturing capabilities

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Sandia news media contact

Kim Vallez Quintana
kdquint@sandia.gov
505-537-3294

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Caption

A wire electrical discharge machine or EDM cuts a baseplate that was printed using additive manufacturing at CAMINO.

Credits

Photo by Craig Fritz

Caption

Hannah Sims, left, and Levi Van Banstian, adjust a robotic arm on a Direct Energy Deposition system for additive manufacturing at Sandia National Laboratories' new CAMINO facility.

Credits

Photo by Craig Fritz

Caption

Dale Cillessen uses a wire electrical discharge machine to cut a metal sample piece at Sandia National Laboratories' CAMINO facility.

Credits

Photo by Craig Fritz

<strong>A wire electrical discharge machine or EDM cuts a baseplate that was printed using additive manufacturing at CAMINO. </strong>(Photo by Craig Fritz) Click on the thumbnail for a high-resolution image.
A wire electrical discharge machine or EDM cuts a baseplate that was printed using additive manufacturing at CAMINO. (Photo by Craig Fritz) Click on the thumbnail for a high-resolution image.

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Sandia National Laboratories will hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony Feb. 12 to celebrate the opening of its new unclassified Center for Advanced Manufacturing and Innovation.

CAMINO is an outward facing hub supporting expedited design, prototyping and manufacturing of components essential to the nuclear security enterprise mission.

“CAMINO is a framework for building advanced manufacturing collaborations,” said Associate Labs Director Steve Girrens. “It will open new design options, increase performance and make possible what once wasn’t, while delivering products faster at lower cost.”

Located on Development Road in the Sandia Science & Technology Park, CAMINO brings together several advanced manufacturing capabilities under one roof.

<strong>Hannah Sims, left, and Levi Van Bastian</strong> <strong>adjust a robotic arm on a Direct Energy Deposition system for additive manufacturing at Sandia National Laboratories' new CAMINO facility. </strong>(Photo by Craig Fritz) Click on the thumbnail for a high-resolution image.
Hannah Sims, left, and Levi Van Bastian adjust a robotic arm on a Direct Energy Deposition system for additive manufacturing at Sandia National Laboratories’ new CAMINO facility. (Photo by Craig Fritz) Click on the thumbnail for a high-resolution image.

“We’re transforming the use of advanced manufacturing tools and workflows by embracing digital, artificial intelligence and innovative practices,” Girrens said. “CAMINO is one of Sandia’s instruments to accelerate innovation, deliver tangible outcomes and build solid partnerships to achieve solutions in the national interest.”

CAMINO will also strengthen the NSE’s efforts in materials science, digital engineering, artificial intelligence and technology transfer.

“Sandia and our partners in the NSE have a rich legacy of strengthening the U.S. economy through partnerships and technology transfer,” said Mary Monson, Sandia’s senior manager of Technology Partnerships and Business Development.

<strong>Dale Cillessen uses a wire electrical discharge machine to cut a metal sample piece at Sandia National Laboratories' CAMINO facility. </strong> (Photo by Craig Fritz) Click on the thumbnail for a high-resolution image.
Dale Cillessen uses a wire electrical discharge machine to cut a metal sample piece at Sandia National Laboratories’ CAMINO facility.  (Photo by Craig Fritz) Click on the thumbnail for a high-resolution image.

Strategically located just outside the gates of Kirtland Air Force Base, CAMINO will enable easier collaboration with industry and university partners who not only provide critical research and development for Sandia’s mission needs but are also key in moving innovative technologies from the Labs to the marketplace.

“CAMINO is a prime example of how we plan to amplify that impact in an ever-evolving landscape,” Monson said. “As a hub for advanced manufacturing, CAMINO will enable Sandia and our partners to rapidly address emerging threats by combining our capabilities with the agility of a design-for-manufacturing approach. The partnerships are key to pushing the boundaries of cutting-edge research and transforming ideas into real-world impact.”

Media are invited to attend the ribbon-cutting, and a tour of the CAMINO facilities.

What: CAMINO Ribbon Cutting
When: Feb.12, 2026
12:45 p.m.: VIP and media tour
1:30 p.m.: Remarks/CAMINO background
1:55 p.m.: Ribbon-cutting
2 p.m.: Open House
Where: 10421 Development Road SE, Albuquerque, NM, 87123
RSVP by Feb. 9 for access: Contact Kim Quintana, kdquint@sandia.gov, 505-537-3294
 

Sandia National Laboratories is a multimission laboratory operated by National Technology and Engineering Solutions of Sandia LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Honeywell International Inc., for the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Nuclear Security Administration. Sandia Labs has major research and development responsibilities in nuclear deterrence, global security, defense, energy technologies and economic competitiveness, with main facilities in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and Livermore, California.

Sandia news media contact

Kim Vallez Quintana
kdquint@sandia.gov
505-537-3294