3D Systems has entered a research partnership with the Savannah River National Laboratory to advance additive manufacturing for nuclear energy applications.
The agreement, formalized through a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement, centers on materials development, equipment enhancements, and AI-driven process optimization for nuclear reactor components. The collaboration will also address cybersecurity and workforce training as part of a broader effort to commercialize advanced manufacturing techniques for the nuclear sector.
The initiative targets the production of complex components from high-temperature nickel-based superalloys and radiation-tolerant materials. These include heat exchangers, reactor internals, pumps, and valves intended for advanced reactor designs and small modular reactors (SMRs). 3D Systems has already installed equipment at the Savannah River National Laboratory’s Advanced Manufacturing Collaborative facility in South Carolina to support research and demonstration activities.
According to projections from the International Energy Agency, global SMR capacity could reach 40 gigawatts by 2050 under current policies, or as high as 120 gigawatts in an accelerated scenario. The partnership aims to position additive manufacturing as a key enabler for scaling nuclear energy infrastructure to meet these targets.
Jeff Graves, President and CEO of 3D Systems, said the collaboration underscores the role of advanced 3D printing technologies in critical industrial markets, including energy and national security.
