Siemens manufactures the first 3D printed part for a nuclear power plant

For the first time ever, the German specialists in high technology, Siemens, has manufactured a 3D printed part for a nuclear power plant. A major challenge and accomplishment when taking into account the stringent safety and security requirements that comes hand in hand with a nuclear power plant.

Although this is new territory for Siemens, Siemens itself is no stranger to the 3D printing industry as they have continuously pushed themselves into the forefront of 3D printing. This can be seen with their latest innovations in the aviation industry, and their recent announcement of an additive manufacturing online platform. “We continue to push forward our investments and cutting-edge advancements in additive manufacturing and 3D printing,” Said Tim Holt, the CEO of Siemens Power Generation Services Division.

Siemens’ 3D printed spiders

The nuclear power plant that received this 3D printed part is located in Krško, Slovenia and is considered one of the safest plants in Europe, according to the European Nuclear Safety Regulators Group. The part that will help the plant keep this title is a 108 mm in diameter impeller that will be in constant rotating operation. The pump will be used as apart of a fire protection system at the plant.