Specialists of Rosatom's fuel division have mastered the technology of 3D printing products from copper and its alloys on industrial printers of the RusMelt line. Previously, the use of copper in additive manufacturing was limited due to its physical properties: the material poorly reflects the laser beam and quickly dissipates heat, which prevents the formation of a high-quality layer. The nuclear scientists managed to select modes for layer-by-layer selective laser melting of copper powder, ensuring minimal porosity and high thermal conductivity.

Test samples, heat exchanger elements, and gyroid structures that can be used as radiator grilles were printed from specialized copper powder of grade M2. All products successfully passed metallographic studies in the laboratory.

The technology can be applied in the production of high-efficiency heat exchangers for aviation and space technology, where maximum heat dissipation with minimum structural weight is required. Copper radiator grilles and cooling elements manufactured by 3D printing will allow for the creation of more compact and reliable thermal control systems for engines and onboard electronics.

In addition, additive printing with copper opens up new possibilities for creating complex internal cooling channels in gas turbine engine parts, which is especially relevant in the context of import substitution in the aviation industry. In the future, the technology can be used for manufacturing components of power electronics and high-frequency devices.