Rosatom plans to revolutionize the energy industry with 3D printing of parts for nuclear power plants. Ilya Kavelashvili, the general director of Rusatom - a company integrating additive technologies in the nuclear industry, outlined at what stage the production is. Testing print, according to him, is already in process.
Kavelashvili noted that Rusatom is currently experimenting with pump casings, shafts, and reactor grids. However, this is just the beginning - the company is preparing for four classes of application of 3D products for nuclear power plants, each with its specifics of proximity to the reactor. The lower the class number, the closer the product will be to the reactor.
At the moment, work is underway to, let's say, "legalize" fourth-class products. And in a year we plan to get permission to use 3D parts in auxiliary equipment of NPPs
Experts estimate that the Russian "additive" market will grow to 23 billion rubles by 2030. Energy and aviation already occupy more than 40% of this market. Rosatom has agreed with the government on a roadmap for the development of additive technologies to ensure the country's technological independence.
Implementing 3D printing in the nuclear industry can have several benefits. First, it can speed up the production process and reduce the cost of manufacturing parts. Secondly, thanks to the ability to print complex parts that are difficult or impossible to produce by traditional methods, new opportunities for design and engineering open up. Finally, 3D printing can contribute to localization of production, reducing dependence on imports and increasing the resilience of supply chains.
It is important to note that Rusatom is not the only company involved in 3D printing in the nuclear industry. "NIIGraphite", which is also related to Rosatom, was the first in Russia to develop a composite paste from domestic raw materials for 3D printing of silicon carbide ceramics. This material can be used, for example, to manufacture parts for promising nuclear reactors.