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Preliminary Results From Assessment Of Advanced Manufacturing Technologies (AMT) For Reactor Materials And Components

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission’s (NRC’s) approach to preparing to regulate and review industry proposals for using advanced manufacturing technologies (AMTs) in commercial nuclear applications focuses on identifying differences with AMT relative to conventional manufacturing. Initial AMTs based on industry interest include laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) and laser-directed energy deposition (L-DED) additive manufacturing (AM) methods, powder metallurgy-hot isostatic pressing (PM-HIP), electron beam welding (EBW), and cold spray (CS). 

Product Number: ED22-17118-SG
Author: Mark Yoo, Matthew Hiser, Amy Hull
Publication Date: 2022
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The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is aware of industry interest in using advanced manufacturing technologies (AMTs) to fabricate components both for new plant construction and repair and replacement in operating plants. AMTs include novel manufacturing techniques as well as more established techniques and material processing methods that have not traditionally been used in the U.S. nuclear industry and have yet to be formally standardized. Initial AMTs that the NRC is focused upon based on high industry interest include laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) and laser-directed energy deposition (L-DED) additive manufacturing (AM) methods, powder metallurgy-hot isostatic pressing (PM-HIP), electron beam welding (EBW), and cold spray. These technologies have several potential benefits, including flexible production of limited quantities of components for replacements, new repair options, reduced time and cost for fabrication, and improved performance due to less welding and machining during part fabrication and installation. Research is being conducted to establish a knowledge base for AMTs and provide support for NRC’s independent evaluation of licensee applications of AMTs for safety-significant components. The near-term goal of this research is to assess differences between conventional and AMT-fabricated components to identify potential gaps in performance. This paper will present perspectives on the completed research in this program and the areas where future work might be beneficial to support future regulatory decision making.

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is aware of industry interest in using advanced manufacturing technologies (AMTs) to fabricate components both for new plant construction and repair and replacement in operating plants. AMTs include novel manufacturing techniques as well as more established techniques and material processing methods that have not traditionally been used in the U.S. nuclear industry and have yet to be formally standardized. Initial AMTs that the NRC is focused upon based on high industry interest include laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) and laser-directed energy deposition (L-DED) additive manufacturing (AM) methods, powder metallurgy-hot isostatic pressing (PM-HIP), electron beam welding (EBW), and cold spray. These technologies have several potential benefits, including flexible production of limited quantities of components for replacements, new repair options, reduced time and cost for fabrication, and improved performance due to less welding and machining during part fabrication and installation. Research is being conducted to establish a knowledge base for AMTs and provide support for NRC’s independent evaluation of licensee applications of AMTs for safety-significant components. The near-term goal of this research is to assess differences between conventional and AMT-fabricated components to identify potential gaps in performance. This paper will present perspectives on the completed research in this program and the areas where future work might be beneficial to support future regulatory decision making.