U.S. 3D Systems Signs Additive Manufacturing Cooperative R&D Agreement with Savannah River National Laboratory

en.Wedoany.com Reported - 3D Systems has signed a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) with Savannah River National Laboratory (SRNL), under which the two parties will conduct joint research on additive manufacturing for advanced energy generation and national security applications.

The collaboration will take place at SRNL's Advanced Manufacturing Collaborative (AMC). The center has deployed 3D Systems' additive manufacturing equipment while completing facility upgrades, and is staffed with on-site additive manufacturing experts. The two parties will jointly conduct work on materials development, equipment improvement, application of artificial intelligence and machine learning in process optimization, manufacturing systems, cybersecurity, and workforce training.

Additive manufacturing for nuclear energy is a clear priority, with a focus on high-temperature nickel-based superalloys and radiation-resistant materials for manufacturing heat exchangers with internal cooling channels, reactor internal components, pumps, and valves. 3D Systems stated that such components are typically considered difficult or impossible to manufacture using conventional methods. The collaboration may also cover aerospace, defense, and environmental technology markets.

Regarding the timing of the agreement, 3D Systems links it to renewed U.S. investment in nuclear energy and advanced reactor designs, citing the International Energy Agency's (IEA) forecast: under current policies, small modular reactor (SMR) installed capacity could reach approximately 40 gigawatts by 2050; under an accelerated scenario, it could reach 120 gigawatts.

Jeff Graves, President and CEO of 3D Systems, expressed anticipation for collaborating with SRNL at the AMC to deploy 3D Systems' additive manufacturing technologies. Roderick Jackson, SRNL's Deputy Laboratory Director for Science, Energy, and Innovation, stated that this collaboration will enhance U.S. manufacturing competitiveness and drive additive manufacturing innovation. G. Jeremy Leong, Director of the AMC, stated that the agreement will help SRNL strengthen its research capabilities and competitive advantages through partnerships.