MANTRA: Nikon SLM Solutions and CEA launch AM hub for nuclear large components

Nikon SLM Solutions and the French research organization CEA are pooling their activities in the new innovation hub MANTRA. The aim is to systematically develop, measure, and demonstrate additively manufactured large components for use in nuclear technology under realistic conditions. The hub is intended to integrate design, simulation, materials development, data acquisition, and testing within a unified environment, thereby accelerating qualification steps for safety-critical components.

Technically, MANTRA addresses key hurdles of metal AM in the energy sector: robust parameterization for nuclear-grade alloys, mastery of complex, conformal cooling and flow geometries, and reliable proof of material properties on large-format specimens and components. Continuous data capture throughout the process and subsequent inspections are intended to create end-to-end traceability required for approvals in nuclear engineering.

“MANTRA reflects our long-term strategy to enable additive manufacturing where it truly matters,” said Sam O’Leary, CEO of Nikon SLM Solutions. “Partnering with CEA—an institution globally recognized for its research leadership—gives us a strong foundation to help shape the future of energy infrastructure with metal AM at the core.”

Organizationally, MANTRA sees itself as an open platform. In addition to joint R&D projects with industrial customers, collaborations with CEA’s academic network are planned.

“With MANTRA, we aim to turn additive manufacturing into a competitive and trusted solution for the nuclear industry,” said Stéphanie Riché, Circular Economy of Materials Program Manager at CEA. “The collaboration with Nikon SLM Solutions gives us access to world-leading technology, here in Europe, and the ability to co-develop solutions that align with the rigorous standards of our sector and will benefit industrial actors in Europe and beyond.”

The initiative is being presented at the World Nuclear Exhibition in Paris. Looking ahead, MANTRA is intended to serve as a building block in Europe’s efforts to modernize nuclear manufacturing using data-driven processes and advanced materials and to scale it to industrial dimensions.