Rosatom 3D printed the first part for use at a nuclear facility

Wednesday, November 6, 2024

Additive technologies such as 3D printing, in which objects are “printed” by building up material layer by layer, can produce parts and components that are difficult to produce using traditional methods using casting and machining. In addition, 3D printing allows you to reduce the weight of products, optimize the materials used and reduce production time, Rosatom notes.

It said that in this case “the product had to have a strictly defined shape with bends. The required accuracy of matching the finished part with the original three-dimensional model was achieved, since this affects the performance and energy efficiency of the pumping unit and the entire equipment complex as a whole. The use of 3D printing has increased the strength and reduced the weight of the part.”

Ilya Kavelashvili, director of the Additive Technologies business area of ​​TVEL, said: “This is the first time a product made using 3D printing is used at a nuclear facility, which will be another confirmation of the high quality and reliability of additive manufacturing of parts and components. Rosatom is carrying out comprehensive work to introduce additive technologies in the nuclear industry. Our working group includes more than 60 chief designers, end users, metrologists and representatives of certification bodies.

“A list of 120 parts that can be printed on 3D printers has been prepared. From these, we selected 10 samples of different safety classes, which will serve as reference ones. internal structure of the VVER-TOI nuclear reactor and others. During the tests, we will prove that they are reliable for industrial use, and this will form the basis for the regulatory framework for the use of additive technologies in the nuclear industry. “

Rosatom states that it is both a supplier and a customer for the development of additive technologies, and a regional network of centers with such capacities is being developed.

International Atomic Energy Agency sees significant potential in 3D printing parts in nuclear power, with the first use case being a 3D-printed impeller installed on a Slovenian reactor in 2017, and Oak Ridge National Laboratory printing brackets called duct fasteners that were installed on a nuclear power reactor in 2021 year, and Framatome installed the first 3D printed stainless steel fuel component at the Forsmark nuclear power plant in Sweden in 2022. In addition to Russia, other countries also use 3D printing, including South Korea. for making items.