In order to advance the state of nanomanufacturing in the US, the NNN seeks to establish a broad base of key partnerships and affiliations. At the core of this are the flagship partners at the NSF Nanomanufacturing Centers, with recent established affiliations with NIST and DOE National Laboratories. 

NNN Partners and Affiliated Centers

NSF Nanomanufacturing Centers

The Center for Nanoscale Chemical-Electrical-Mechanical Manufacturing Systems (Nano-CEMMS), directed by Placid Ferriera and based at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign concentrates on developing innovative processes that function in ambient (as opposed to high vacuum processes) conditions, are well suited to large-area formats, and with material sets not usually associated with microelectronics. Nano-CEMMS has developed a manufacturing platform that exploits efficient nano-fluidic and ionic transport phenomena to realize a whole new class of products such as semi-transparent flexible solar collectors, flexible-stretchable solid-state lighting and bio-compatible electronics.

The Center for High Rate Nanomanufacturing (CHN), directed by Ahmed Busnaina and based at Northeastern University provides methods for fast large scale directed assembly and transfer of nanostructures, including carbon nanotubes as on chip wiring interconnects, transparent flexible electronics using carbon nanotubes, wafer-level template-free assembly, and custom made nanostructured carbons of various forms. The CHM also works on the development of best practice guidelines to limit exposures to nanomaterials and fast toxicity screening methods.

The Center for Scalable and Integrated Nanomanufacturing (SINAM), directed by Xiang Zhang and based at the University of California Berkeley has developed tools and techniques for plasmonic nanolithography, which provides a high throughput route to pattern nanostuctures having feature sizes below 22 nm. This technology is relevant to semiconductor device manufacturing and other application areas.

The Center for Hierarchical Manufacturing (CHM), directed by James Watkins and based at the University of Massachusetts Amherst provides methods that use self-assembling diblock copolymers and complementary nanomanufacturing processes to control structure from the nanoscale to the macroscale. The center develops processing techniques and modeling methods for nanomanufacturing both in batch and roll-to-roll production formats. These processes have significant impact for the low-cost production of data storage media, nanoelectronics, batteries, solar cells, water filtration and communications. The CHM is also the administrative hub of the National Nanomanufacturing Network.

NIST Centers

• Center for Nanoscale Science and Technology (CNST)
  The NIST Center for Nanoscale Science and Technology (CNST) supports the nanotechnology enterprise from discovery to production by operating a nanofabrication facility and by developing new nanoscale measurement instrumentation and fabrication methods.  The NanoFab is a shared-use facility for nanofabrication and measurement accessible to all on a cost-reimbursable basis.  With a simple application process, this facility provides researchers rapid access to a comprehensive suite of nanofabrication tools and processes.  While the NanoFab provides state-of-the-art capabilities, the CNST research scientists and engineers are developing the next generation of measurement and fabrication solutions needed to advance nanotechnology.  With broad, multidisciplinary expertise, the research staff also supports NanoFab users with expert consultation.
  
  
• Manuafacturing Engineering Laboratory (MEL) Surface and Nano Research Area
  The Manufacturing Engineering Laboratory (MEL) supports nanomanufacturing by developing the measurement infrastructure that reduces the barriers for technological innovation and successful commercialization of nanoscale products. MEL has had active programs in nanomanufacturing for over a decade.  This is accomplished through fundamental scientific research, theory, and experiments in precision metrology at the nanoscale in the manufacturing sector. The following focus areas are emphasized: 1) reliable, scaled-up, cost effective manufacturing of nanoscale materials, devices and systems; 2) robust manufacturing practices coupled with the necessary standards and measurement infrastructure; 3) development of the instrumentation, tools and processes needed to bridge the gap between discovery and commercialization; 4) development of a measurement infrastructure and a set of standards for nanomanufacturing to reduce the barriers for technological innovation and successful commercialization of nanoscale products.
  

DoE Nanoscale Science and Engineering Center

• Center for Integrated Nanotechnologies (CINT) at Sandia and Los Alamos National Laboratories
  CINT developed and deployed the Discovery Platform™. These platforms are modular micro-laboratories designed and batch fabricated by CINT to allow easy integration of nanomaterials into microscale structures.  They allow easy connections, a range of diagnostic and experimental measurement conditions, and a degree of standardization and reproducibility in nanoscale measurements. Sandia also is home to The National Institute for Nano-Engineering (NINE), a Public-Private Partnership formed to develop the next generation of technical innovation leaders for the U.S., employing the national strategy of the America COMPETES Act.
  

Additional Centers and Nanomanufacturing Resources

DoE Nanoscale Science and Engineering Centers

• Center for Nanoscale Materials at Argonne National Laboratory
• Center for Functional Nanomaterials at Brookhaven National Laboratory
• The Molecular Foundry at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory
• Center for Nanophase Materials Sciences at Oak Ridge National Laboratory

• The Consortium of NSF Nanoscale Science and Engineering Centers
• NIOSH Nanotech Health and Safety Resources - Approaches to Safe Nanotechnology Handbook
• DOD MURI on Nanocomposite Magnets - University of Texas Arlington
• NIH Nanotech Research Activities
• ONAMI