First 3D-printed part in nuclear power plant in operation

• 7 years ago (2017-03-10)
• David Flin

Europe 1061 Nuclear 639

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Siemens has announced that, following the integration of 3D printing as part of its digital services portfolio, it has achieved the first successful commercial installation and continued safe operation of a 3D-printed part in a nuclear power plant.

The replacement part produced for the Krško nuclear power plant in Slovenia is a metallic 108mm diameter impeller for a fire protection pump that is in constant rotating operation. The water pump provides pressure for the fire protection system at the plant. The original impeller had been in operation since the plant was commissioned in 1981. Its original impeller is no longer in business.

Siemens said that such obsolete, non-OEM parts are particularly well suited for 3D-printing technology, as they and their designs are virtually impossible to obtain. The technology allows mature operating plants to continue operating.

Siemens reverse-engineered and created a “digital twin” of the part. The company’s additive manufacturing (AM) facility in Finspång, Sweden, then applied its AM process using a 3D printer to produce the part.

Tim Holt, CEO of Siemens Power Generation Services division, said: “We continue to push forward our investments and cutting-edge advancements in additive manufacturing and 3D printing. This achievement at the Krško nuclear power plant is another example of how the digital transformation and the data-driven capabilities we have are impacting the energy industry. Additive manufacturing’s reduced lead times and faster production optimises parts replacement and creates real value for our customers.”