Oak Ridge and Idaho National Labs 3D Print Nuclear Pressure Vessel for US Reactor Expansion
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- InterestingEngineering.com
The United States is leveraging large-scale metal 3D printing to overcome manufacturing challenges in its nuclear expansion efforts. Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) and Idaho National Laboratory (INL) are collaborating to develop wire arc additive manufacturing for industrial pressure vessels, which are essential for withstanding extreme conditions in nuclear applications.
This innovative technology addresses the limited domestic forging capacity that could hinder the country's nuclear projects. ORNL recently showcased the process by successfully printing a nuclear-relevant pressure vessel using the MedUSA platform, which coordinates three robotic arms to create complex metal structures. The collaboration aims to ensure that these components meet stringent nuclear requirements while reducing qualification timelines through real-time monitoring and data analysis.
Looking ahead, ORNL and INL are focused on integrating large-scale additive manufacturing with digital engineering to produce high-integrity pressure vessels. This approach could not only support the nuclear sector but also have implications for aerospace, defense, and other industries requiring robust components. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
Original report
Three robotic arms 3D print nuclear vessel for America’s expanding reactor fleet
InterestingEngineering.com · Aamir KhollamThis briefing is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting and is provided for industry information and news discovery. The original report and source publication are credited and linked where applicable. RobotToday does not claim ownership of third-party source material.
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