Chinese Scientists Successfully Tested 3D-Printed Portion of Fusion Reactor

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Chinese scientists from the Institute of Nuclear Energy Safety Technology (INEST) have developed and successfully tested a 3D-printed component module for fusion reactors, local media reported Wednesday.
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The 3D printing technology was applied to create the first wall of the test blanket module, one of the key components for a fusion reactor, the Xinhua news agency reported.

This component was created with INEST-developed China Low Activation Martensitic (CLAM) steel, a neutron irradiation resistant steel that is mainly used in fusion reactors.

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According to the scientists, 3D-printing technology has helped avoid some common problems related to the use of CLAM steel, create a complex structure from the material, and achieve a short manufacturing cycle and high utilization factor.

The relevant research was published in the Journal of Nuclear Materials earlier in March.

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