Manufacturing Excellence

Nuclear manufacturing includes the manufacture or remanufacture of unique nuclear weapon components for the nation's long term defense capabilities. Y-12 manufactures complex components to extremely high levels of precision and has the world class technology and expertise to accurately measure component quality. Precision fabrication and measurement systems are supported by mature planning, work management, and material safeguards systems. Nuclear manufacturing includes Depleted and Enriched Uranium Operations; Special Materials Operations; and the Assembly, Disassembly, and Storage Operations, all in support of the nation's nuclear stockpile.

Y-12's manufacturing expertise is among the best in the world. Y-12 recently installed a high speed 5 axis gantry mill manufactured by Henri Liné. The machine's maximum spindle speed is 16,000 rpm, and it can accommodate a workpiece of up to 120,000 lb. Y-12 also has new robotic welding capabilities that improve safety, quality, cost effectiveness, productivity, and responsiveness. For more, see The Y-12 Report story titled Modernizing Manufacturing or our Capabilities fact sheet (PDF)

Related Programs

• Advanced Design and Production Technologies Program continues and accelerates the development and prototyping of advanced, cost effective, and environmentally acceptable nuclear weapons production technologies and design processes required to maintain an affordable and reliable nuclear weapons stockpile.
• Manufacturing Processes and Stockpile Support Systems Program implements and maintains production processes and manufacturing information systems that are responsive to weapon component production requirements in support of the weapons stockpile and national security needs.