3D-printed steel endures month-long trial in extreme nuclear reactor

Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) have successfully tested 3D-printed capsules made from 316H stainless steel in the High Flux Isotope Reactor (HFIR), one of the world’s most intense neutron flux environments. These capsules, produced using a laser powder-bed fusion additive manufacturing process, were designed to hold sample materials during irradiation experiments that simulate extreme nuclear reactor conditions. After a month-long irradiation period, the capsules remained fully intact, demonstrating that additively manufactured components can meet the stringent safety and performance standards required in nuclear environments. This milestone highlights the potential for additive manufacturing to revolutionize the production of critical nuclear reactor components by significantly reducing fabrication time and costs compared to traditional methods. The 316H stainless steel used offers high-temperature strength, corrosion and radiation resistance, and proven nuclear-grade weldability. The success of this test paves the way for broader adoption of 3D printing in nuclear materials and fuels research, enabling faster innovation and qualification of advanced reactor technologies. The