Capabilities

Decades of precision work at Y‑12 have created exceptional expertise in many areas, ranging from our basic defense mission to cyber security to the Large-Chamber Scanning Electron Microscope, one of the largest chamber scanning electron microscopes in the world. Through such expertise and innovative technology, Y‑12 protects both people and the environment and tackles new missions, including complementary work for other government agencies and private industry.

Y‑12 has developed state-of-the-art capabilities in a broad range of areas, including the following.

Manufacturing Technologies — One of Y‑12’s missions is to manufacture unique nuclear weapon components for the nation’s long-term defense capabilities. Y‑12 expertise includes cutting-edge process technologies, from creating metal to machining to exact tolerances.

Prototyping — Congress designated Y-12 as the National Prototype Center in 1997. Since that time, Y‑12 has developed a broad array of prototypes for the government and industry.

Safeguards and Security — As the "Fort Knox" of the uranium stockpile for the United States, Y‑12 employs the latest technologies for safeguarding the stockpile and ensuring the security of its processes.

Technical Computing — Y‑12 maintains hundreds of programs in support of missions and has developed specialized hardware and software applications for use at the site and for other government agencies. Applications range from modeling to diskless systems to virus propagation analysis tools.