TECHNOLOGY LICENSING OPPORTUNITY: Automated Arc Melting

Automated Arc Melting is a breakthrough system from scientists at Los Alamos National Laboratory that removes the hands-on work from making new metal alloys. By combining an industrial robot with a proven metal-melting platform, this technology automatically measures, moves and melts materials without constant human involvement. The result is faster production, more consistent quality and safer operation compared to traditional, manual methods. Because the process runs the same way every time, it also generates clean, reliable data that can be used to speed up discovery with artificial intelligence. This system helps research labs and manufacturers move from slow, one-off experiments to scalable, automated materials development — unlocking faster innovation and smarter manufacturing.

How It Works:

Automated Arc Melting operates by using a programmed robotic arm to carry out every step needed to create a metal alloy. The robot and melting system work in a continuous coordinated loop, allowing multiple alloy samples to be produced one after another with consistent handling, minimal downtime, and little human involvement.

Key Advantages:

• End-to-end automation – Fully automates alloy preparation and melting, reducing labor needs and operator variability.
• Higher speed and throughput – Enables rapid, repeatable production of many material compositions in far less time.
• Consistent, high-quality results – Robotic precision improves reproducibility while reducing errors and material waste.
• Safer operation – Limits human exposure to high temperatures and hazardous melting conditions.
• AI- and data-ready – Generates reliable, structured process data that supports machine learning and data-driven materials development.
• Scalable and flexible – Suitable for research, pilot-scale manufacturing, and specialized production environments.

Market Applications:

• Advanced materials research (alloy discovery, materials-by-design programs, research laboratories)
• Aerospace and defense (high-performance alloys, lightweight structural materials, mission-critical components)
• Energy and sustainability (energy storage materials, nuclear materials, materials for extreme environments)
• Advanced manufacturing (specialty metals, smart manufacturing systems, process automation)
• Artificial intelligence–driven R&D (data generation for machine learning, digital materials databases)
• Specialty and custom materials production (small-batch alloys, rapid prototyping, niche material development)
• Education and workforce development (automation training, robotics integration, modern manufacturing labs)

Development Status: TRL 6-7

US patent pending

LA-UR-26-21237

LANL Tech Partnerships: Unlock the Innovative Potential

Los Alamos National Laboratory offers a wide range of cutting-edge technologies and capabilities that may provide your company with a competitive edge in the market and unlock the innovative potential that can enhance, refine, and revolutionize your products.

LANL’s licensing program focuses on moving inventions developed by our researchers to commercial innovations. Patented and patent pending inventions and copyrighted software are available to existing and start-up companies through exclusive and non-exclusive licensing agreements. For specific discussions, please contact licensing@lanl.gov.

Note: This is not a call for external services for the development of this technology.

https://www.lanl.gov/engage/collaboration/feynman-center/partner-with-us/licensing-technology

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