Additive Manufacturing of High Strength Steel Components for the Small Modular Reactor

It is expected that advanced and additive manufacturing will substantially reduce deployment times of the Small Modular Reactor (SMR). Some estimates predict that deployment schedules could be accelerated by up to 6 months while reducing component fabrication costs by 20% or more through the adoption of advanced and additive manufacturing innovations. However, additive manufactured components are thus far untested in high radiation environments and potentially pose a risk until validated. Mainstream’s technology represents a disruptive technology to the learning curve of traditional and additive manufacturing. Applied to steel components of the SMR, Mainstream has the potential to realize the reduced costs and deployment schedules predicted for SMRs through additive manufacturing. Mainstream will produce steel components for the SMR and other industries through its high energy processing technology while demonstrating the radiation tolerance of additive manufacturing. In Phase II, we will additively manufacture prototype SMR components and demonstrate their consistency. We will study the strength of the additively manufactured material and its neutron radiation tolerance of additive manufactured components compared to traditional manufacturing. We will conclude Phase II with the delivery of prototype SMR components.Commercial Applications and Other BenefitsThe use of additive manufacturing is expected to dramatically reduce the costs and lead times of SMR components. Additive manufacturing is predicted to reduce the deployment times and SMR costs by up to 6 months and 20%, respectively. Additive manufacturing produces parts rapidly, with fewer raw materials, and with less waste compared to traditional machining. Components no longer in production can be produced on-demand leading to implementation of “just-in-time” manufacturing.