Development of Additive Manufacturing for Neutron Scattering Collimators

Additive manufacturing (AM) technology (aka “3D printing”), through its unique layer-by-layer, freeform fabrication capability, has the potential to revolutionize the way neutron collimators are designed and built, enabling enhanced performance at lower cost. However, there is a need to develop and optimize feedstock materials, along with AM processing parameters, incorporating neutron absorbing elements. In this proposal, RadiaBeam Systems, LLC in collaboration with the University of Texas at El Paso Keck Center for 3D Innovation (UTEP-Keck), will develop custom filaments and experimentally test samples to confirm their required performance and assure compatibility with commercial fuse deposition modeling (FDM) 3D-printing systems. FDM processing parameters for specific neutron collimator designs will also be developed. In Phase II we will optimize filament composition and FDM processing parameters, validate the FDM materials in a neutron environment, and design and fabricate a prototype neutron collimator. In Phase I we will begin with a review of the neutron scattering facility’s specific neutron collimator requirements. We will then translate these requirements into a set of material parameters used to develop the FDM feedstock filaments. Custom filaments will be developed and experimentally tested to assure compatibility with the FDM process. FDM processing parameters for specific neutron collimator designs will also be developed. The techniques being developed here have broad commercial applications for neutron scattering facilities, and commercial, aerospace and defense radiation shielding. Additional applications include shielding of scientific instrumentation used in high radiation environments such as high energy particle accelerators.