In a new collaboration, Kairos Power and Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) have tested the potential of additive manufacturing (AM) and composites to enable fast, repeatable manufacturing for energy construction. At the Hermes Low-Power Demonstration Reactor site in Tennessee, the team designed a 42-foot cast-in-place concrete bioshield column using highly precise 3D-printed composite forms. This innovation, completed in just 14 days compared to six weeks with traditional methods, showcases a path to accelerate nuclear plant construction. By leveraging ORNL’s expertise in large-format 3D printing with carbon fiber composites, Kairos Power achieved complex geometries and tight tolerances that are challenging with conventional materials like wood or steel. As CTO Edward Blandford notes, the real opportunity lies in producing advanced designs efficiently, paving the way for scalable nuclear solutions. This demonstration is a precursor to future Hermes reactor components, with ongoing efforts to optimize materials and processes. How do you think such advancements in manufacturing could reshape the timeline and economics of nuclear energy projects? What other industries might benefit from similar innovations in AM and composites? Read the full article on our website to explore the technical details and long-term ambitions behind this pioneering project. Share your thoughts in the comments below. https://lnkd.in/gm62EMAa
This is another example of the versatility of additive manufacturing! Thank you for sharing!
Large scale 3 D additive technology is developing very fast.
Editor-in-Chief, Additive Manufacturing Media | Manufacturing Connected
4dThere's been so much attention and growth in direct concrete 3D printing, but this is an excellent example of the value that 3D printed forms can bring instead.