UK's nuclear fusion laboratories to utilize 3D printing technology for creating components capable of enduring intense pressures
In a significant step towards the development of fusion power plants, the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) has commissioned two state-of-the-art 3D printing machines. These innovative machines will enable the production of highly specialized and complex components that can withstand the extreme conditions inside fusion reactors.
The first machine, the eMELT Electron Beam Powder Bed Fusion (E-PBF) system, uses an electron beam to fuse tungsten powder into near-solid components with close to 100 percent density. This technology is crucial for handling extreme temperatures and neutron flows within fusion reactors.
The second machine, a SLM280 Selective Laser Melting machine, manufactured by Nikon SLM Solutions, will reduce reliance on traditional techniques such as welding, minimizing the number of manufacturing steps and joining processes. This machine will be used to experiment with complex geometries and material combinations vital to the future of fusion.
Both methods will support the production of plasma-facing components exposed to extreme temperatures during operation. The electron beam 3D printer will be used to build tungsten-based components, while the laser printer will handle complex fusion parts.
Additive manufacturing is well-suited for producing intricate designs in small volumes, making it ideal for fusion, where each machine in the near future will be highly specialized and require custom components. By using these advanced additive manufacturing techniques, UKAEA can reduce the cost and lead time of producing these critical components, thus helping make fusion power commercially viable and accelerating fusion energy development towards a low-carbon future.
The 3D printing machines commissioned by UKAEA will now begin conducting experiments to assess the properties of additively manufactured materials. These machines will demonstrate that fusion components can be printed at a production scale, enabling the industry to develop parts that would otherwise be commercially prohibitive.
With these advanced 3D printing machines, UKAEA is leading the way in the development of fusion power plants, creating components that can withstand the severe challenges of high temperatures, intense neutron radiation, and strong magnetic fields.
[1] [UKAEA Press Release](URL) [2] [Nikon SLM Solutions Press Release](URL) [3] [Freemelt Press Release](URL) [4] [IEEE Spectrum Article](URL) [5] [Nature Energy Article](URL)
- The commissioning of two state-of-the-art 3D printing machines by the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) marks a significant advancement in the development of fusion power plants, as these innovative machines will allow the production of complex components vital for withstanding extreme conditions inside fusion reactors.
- The eMELT Electron Beam Powder Bed Fusion (E-PBF) system, one of these machines, uses an electron beam to fuse tungsten powder into near-solid components with close to 100 percent density, which is crucial for handling high temperatures and neutron flows within fusion reactors.
- The other machine, a SLM280 Selective Laser Melting machine manufactured by Nikon SLM Solutions, will minimize reliance on traditional techniques such as welding and enable experiments with complex geometries and material combinations crucial for the future of fusion energy.
- The adoption of additive manufacturing techniques by UKAEA will help reduce the cost and lead time of producing critical components, making fusion power commercially viable and accelerating fusion energy development towards a low-carbon future.
