Rosatom to Develop Russia’s First Industrial Metal 3D Printer for Nuclear Industry

July 27, 2016 by Tyler Koslow 3D Printers 3D Printing Metal 3D Printing

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From Sweden to the United States, a number of tech-trailblazing countries have been looking at 3D printing technology as an emerging tool for the development of parts for nuclear power plants. The nuclear energy source certainly has its perks, but is also controversial due to the potential disaster that could come from mismanagement of these power plants. But, as metal 3D printing technology continues to advance, additive manufacturing becomes a more viable and secure option to produce housing and other components for these nuclear energy facilities.

Now, Russia’s nuclear energy corporation, Rosatom, will attempt to usher in their recently develop advanced metal additive manufacturing technology by producing 3D printed parts for the country’s nuclear industry. Rosatom’s production of nuclear components will be done on their industrial metal 3D printer, the first-ever developed by a Russian company. The company will focus on ensuring the reliability and safety of their 3D printed nuclear power components, making sure that they can withstand irradiation by neutron fluxes. After their experimentation and testing in the nuclear industry is completed, Rosatom will begin branching out into other industries.

“Over two and a half years 3D printing became one of the leading areas for Rosatom’s non-nuclear business. Today, a roadmap and strategy of additive technology development in the nuclear industry have been formulated,” said Aleksey Dub, the state corporation’s science and innovations division deputy director. “By the end of 2018, Rosatom should have the full set of expertise needed to offer additive technology services. There are plans to have equipment, materials and technologies in order to offer the possibility of implementing any design ideas in the form of finished products.”

Rosatom’s industrial metal 3D printer [Source: RusNews]

The printer is equipped with a 1,000-watt laser, and is expected to have an output of between 15 and 70 cubic centimeters per hour. Like most advanced metal 3D printers, Rosatom’s machine utilizes metal powders, and uses the high-powered laser to fuse them together layer by layer. The printer was initially unveiled at the Innoprom industrial trade fair in Yekaterinburg, which took place earlier in July. The corporation plans to deliver these nuclear components to research reactors for exposure in 2018. According to Dub, a number of Rosatom’s divisions have already came up with proposals on the range of nuclear components that could be manufactured with their metal 3D printing system.

In general, Russia has been increasingly adapting 3D printing technology into their most innovative projects. Back in March, the country sent the first-ever 3D printed nanosatellite up to the International Space Station, marking a major moment for the Russian space industry. In addition,the Russian United Instrument Manufacturing Corporation (UIMC) presented their first 3D printed unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) at the Innoprom trade fair. Currently, Rosatom is developing eight nuclear reactors in Russia, as well as 36 others abroad. So, it seems safe to say that this new metal 3D printing technology will be utilized, at least to some extent, in their upcoming nuclear energy projects.

If you want to see Russia’s first-ever industrial metal 3D printer in action, check out the video from the Innoprom industrial trade fair below, which was uploaded by the new multimedia brand Sputnik. Discuss further in the Rosatom Additive Manufacturing forum over at 3DPB.com.