3D printing method creates complex parts for nuclear reactors
发布时间：2024年6月4日 10:10
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The new technique could allow more efficient 3D printing of complex parts for nuclear reactors (Credit: Carlos Jones/ ORNL, US Dept. of Energy)
A new method of 3D printing components for nuclear reactors has enabled the use of a radiation tolerant material that was previously “nearly impossible” to use, according to its developers.
A new method of 3D printing components for nuclear reactors has enabled the use of a radiation tolerant material that was previously “nearly impossible” to use, according to its developers.
The technique, which was developed by the US Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory, has been licensed by Ultra Safe Nuclear Corporation (USNC).
The technology uses a sophisticated additive manufacturing technique to print refractory materials, which are highly resistant to extreme heat and degradation, into components with complex shapes needed for advanced nuclear reactor designs.
“This technology is ideal for manufacturing structure and core components for USNC’s advanced reactor designs,” said Kurt Terrani, USNC executive vice-president.
USNC’s refractory material of choice for nuclear reactor core components is silicon carbide, a high-temperature-resistant ceramic that has been tested and proven to be radiation tolerant.
“Traditional machining of silicon carbide into parts for a reactor are so time intensive and expensive that it’s nearly impossible,” an announcement by the Department of Energy said.
The new alternative method combines binder jet printing as the additive manufacturing technique and a ceramic production process called chemical vapour infiltration. The combination could allow USNC to make components with complex shapes more efficiently, such as fluid channels in a heat exchanger.
“This is the holy grail of additive, that you can do things faster, that are in geometries that were previously very difficult or impossible with conventional manufacturing methods,” Terrani said.
Seattle-based USNC plans to open a new pilot fuel manufacturing plant in Tennessee to continue its collaboration with the Oak Ridge laboratory.
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Content published by Professional Engineering does not necessarily represent the views of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers.
The technology uses a sophisticated additive manufacturing technique to print refractory materials, which are highly resistant to extreme heat and degradation, into components with complex shapes needed for advanced nuclear reactor designs.
“This technology is ideal for manufacturing structure and core components for USNC’s advanced reactor designs,” said Kurt Terrani, USNC executive vice-president.
USNC’s refractory material of choice for nuclear reactor core components is silicon carbide, a high-temperature-resistant ceramic that has been tested and proven to be radiation tolerant.
“Traditional machining of silicon carbide into parts for a reactor are so time intensive and expensive that it’s nearly impossible,” an announcement by the Department of Energy said.
The new alternative method combines binder jet printing as the additive manufacturing technique and a ceramic production process called chemical vapour infiltration. The combination could allow USNC to make components with complex shapes more efficiently, such as fluid channels in a heat exchanger.
“This is the holy grail of additive, that you can do things faster, that are in geometries that were previously very difficult or impossible with conventional manufacturing methods,” Terrani said.
Seattle-based USNC plans to open a new pilot fuel manufacturing plant in Tennessee to continue its collaboration with the Oak Ridge laboratory.
Want the best engineering stories delivered straight to your inbox? The Professional Engineering newsletter gives you vital updates on the most cutting-edge engineering and exciting new job opportunities. To sign up, click here.
Content published by Professional Engineering does not necessarily represent the views of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers.
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