South Korean 3D-Printed Nuclear Power Plant Component Operates Continuously for 18 Months

Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power (KHNP) announced on August 26 that a nuclear power plant component manufactured using 3D printing technology has been in continuous operation for 18 months on a reactor unit. This marks the first time South Korea has completed long-term operational validation of a 3D-printed nuclear power plant component in actual service.

The component is a multi-blade impeller used to cool the generator circuit breaker of a nuclear power plant. Traditional impellers typically consist of multiple blades mounted on a fixed plate, and the connection points between the fixed plate and blades are at risk of damage during long-term operation. KHNP completed the development of this impeller in 2024, switching to 3D printing to manufacture an integrated one-piece structure, thereby reducing weak connection points and improving component durability.

Before being put into service, this 3D-printed impeller underwent multiple performance and durability validations, including heat treatment to improve material properties, as well as mechanical performance testing and airflow testing.

In January 2025, the impeller was first installed on Unit 1 of the Saeul Nuclear Power Plant (Saeul 1) in South Korea. Since then, the component operated continuously for 18 months without any failures until July 2026, when the unit underwent planned preventive maintenance. KHNP stated that the operational results demonstrate that 3D-printed components can maintain safe operating conditions under long-term service.

KHNP plans to expand the application of 3D-printed components to other nuclear power plants and further promote the use of related technologies in the manufacturing of more nuclear power plant components. A company official stated that future research and development efforts will enable 3D printing technology to be used not only for replacing existing components but also for manufacturing components for new nuclear reactor types such as Small Modular Reactors (SMRs).