3D printing for reactor components: Rosatom tests additive manufacturing on the RITM-200

The design bureau Afrikantov OKBM, which belongs to Rosatom, has received the green light from regulators to manufacture components of the RITM-200 reactor using a metal 3D printer developed in Russia. The first component produced was a terminal box for the pump equipment of a ship reactor, manufactured using a powder bed process and subjected to extensive material and component testing.

The prototypes were examined according to a test program coordinated with the responsible materials institute, including structural analyses, pressure tests and leak tests. According to Rosatom, the results confirmed that the additive manufacturing process is suitable for selected elements of the RITM-200 plant. On this basis, binding manufacturing and quality regulations were drawn up, and a certificate from the Russian Maritime Register of Shipping has been issued for the additively manufactured component.

“Obtaining regulatory documentation for the first element for the RITM-200 reactor plant manufactured with the use of additive technologies makes it possible to replicate 3D printing technology in the future to create various equipment for marine nuclear power plants, as well as nuclear industry equipment of other types and purposes,” said Yuri Vytnov, Chief Technologist of Afrikantov OKBM.

“The use of additive technologies in the production of elements for RITM-200 demonstrates the high level of technological readiness of the Russian industry. The use of 3D printing opens up new opportunities for design and production. It is possible to create parts with optimized geometry and improved characteristics. This makes it possible to increase the efficiency and reliability of equipment, as well as reduce its weight and cost,” said Ilya Kavelashvili, Director of the Additive Technologies business area of Rosatom’s Fuel Division.

The terminal box was printed on an Ilist-L+ metal 3D printer developed by Rosatom together with the St. Petersburg State Marine Technical University. Production takes place at an additive technologies center established in 2023 at the Nizhny Novgorod site, which brings together printers, powder materials and process know-how.

The compact RITM-200 pressurized water reactor powers, among other things, icebreakers of Project 22220 and serves as the basis for floating power plants and small power reactors for remote regions. With the newly introduced additive manufacturing, Rosatom is testing the extent to which safety-related components can gradually be taken out of conventional supply chains and manufactured closer to development and operation.