A nuclear reactor is essentially a large-scale heat exchanger, a point Ryan Dehoff of Oak Ridge National Laboratory’s Manufacturing Demonstration Facility notes in this latest episode of The Cool Parts Show. That means additive manufacturing offers considerable promise to improve energy efficiency by making complex forms that optimize heat transfer. But nuclear power is a conservative industry focused on safety and reliability — additive manufacturing has to prove itself first. A set of 3D printed stainless steel brackets currently in use at the Browns Ferry nuclear power plant is part of the test. Manufactured by the MDF in partnership with nuclear equipment supplier Framatome, the brackets help secure a nuclear fuel assembly. Learn more about the way ahead for AM and nuclear power in the episode below.

This episode brought to you by Carpenter Additive. https://www.carpenteradditive.com/

LEARN MORE ABOUT:

- Framatome: https://www.framatome.com/

- The Manufacturing Demonstration Facility at Oak Ridge National Laboratory: https://www.additivemanufacturing.med...

- Additive manufacturing for heat exchangers: https://www.additivemanufacturing.med...

- Laser powder bed fusion: https://www.additivemanufacturing.med...

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