Development of Additive Manufacturing for Neutron Conditioning Optics

Additive manufacturing AM) technology aka “3D printing”), through its unique layer-by-layer, freeform fabrication capability, has the potential to revolutionize the way neutron instrumentation components are designed and built, enabling enhanced performance at lower cost. However, there is a need to develop lower cost techniques to print with neutron absorbers, particularly ceramic parts of a relatively large 50 cm) size. In this proposal, RadiaBeam Technologies, LLC in collaboration with the University of Texas at El Paso Keck Center for 3D Innovation UTEP-Keck), will develop custom ceramic slurries to be deposited with UTEP- Keck’s Robocasting RC) 3D-printers. Composition and printing parameters will be developed to produce an accurate green part. A burn-out and sintering protocol will be developed for the successful green parts in order to produce a final, robust part. In Phase II we will optimize slurry composition and process parameters with the aim to produce warp-free and robust neutron absorbing components of a large 50cm) size. In Phase I we will begin with a review of the neutron scattering facility’s specific neutron absorbing component requirements. We will then translate these requirements into a set of material parameters used to develop the slurry composition and processing parameters. A test part will be printed and sintered to validate the printing protocol and to for material examination and testing. The techniques being developed here have broad commercial applications for neutron scattering facilities, commercial and Defense radiation shielding, as well as armor plating. Additional applications include shielding of scientific instrumentation used in high radiation environments such as high energy particle accelerators.