Key Takeaways
- NX Atomics and Sciaky are collaborating to 3D print nuclear components for Small Modular Reactors (SMRs)
- The partnership aims to produce nuclear-qualified parts faster and at lower cost using Sciaky's Electron Beam Additive Manufacturing (EBAM) process
- SMRs are designed to be easier to build, deploy, and maintain, with passive safety systems and modular components
- The collaboration between NX Atomics and Sciaky is expected to accelerate the development of SMRs and reduce the unit cost of each reactor
Introduction to Small Modular Reactors
The nuclear industry has been experimenting with additive manufacturing for decades, with companies like Westinghouse and Oklo using 3D printing to produce components. A new crop of SMR companies, including Valar Atomics, Ulta Safe Nuclear Corporation, and TerraPower, are working to develop a new generation of nuclear power plants that are easier to build, deploy, and maintain. SMRs are designed to consist of transportable modular components that can be made in factories at scale, reducing cost overruns and increasing safety.
Partnership between NX Atomics and Sciaky
NX Atomics, a startup developing SMRs, has partnered with Sciaky, a leader in EBAM technology, to produce components for their reactors. The partnership aims to leverage Sciaky's EBAM process to produce nuclear-qualified parts faster and at lower cost. According to NX Atomics CEO John Warden, "3D printing opens up the potential for us to produce nuclear-qualified parts faster and at lower cost, where appropriate swap them out through life, and meaningfully reduce the unit cost of every small modular reactor we build."
Comparison of 3D Printing Technologies
| Technology | Description | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Electron Beam Additive Manufacturing (EBAM) | Uses an electron beam to melt and fuse metal powders | High accuracy, high speed, and low cost |
| Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) | Uses a laser to fuse together metal powders | High accuracy, high resolution, and good mechanical properties |
| Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) | Uses melted plastic to build components layer by layer | Low cost, easy to use, and good for prototyping |
Benefits of the Partnership
The partnership between NX Atomics and Sciaky is expected to bring several benefits, including:
- Faster production of nuclear-qualified parts
- Lower cost of production
- Increased safety and reliability of SMRs
- Accelerated development of SMRs
Bottom Line
The collaboration between NX Atomics and Sciaky is a significant step forward in the development of SMRs. By leveraging Sciaky's EBAM technology, NX Atomics aims to produce nuclear-qualified parts faster and at lower cost, reducing the unit cost of each reactor and increasing the safety and reliability of SMRs. With the potential to accelerate the development of SMRs, this partnership is expected to play a key role in the transition to clean energy infrastructure.