Kingsbury and Additure have been selected by the UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) to provide additive manufacturing technology for the development of fusion energy components. As part of this collaboration, the two companies will support UKAEA’s mission to deliver sustainable fusion energy by contributing to the creation of high-performance materials capable of withstanding the extreme conditions inside a fusion reactor.
UKAEA, the UK’s primary fusion energy research body, is focused on developing the technology needed to produce clean and sustainable fusion power. As part of their research, UKAEA is experimenting with additive manufacturing (AM), particularly for creating complex components made from tungsten and copper materials, which are critical for fusion reactors. To advance this research, UKAEA has turned to Kingsbury and Additure for the installation of a Nikon SLM Solutions SLM®280 2.0Laser Powder Bed Fusion (LPBF) machine.
“We’re thrilled to be part of this groundbreaking work with UKAEA,” said Roy Marshall, Head of Operations for Fabrication, Installation, and Maintenance at UKAEA. “Additive manufacturing offers a unique opportunity to create complex, durable components for the fusion energy machines of the future. The expertise and support from Kingsbury and Additure will be invaluable in helping us accelerate the development of this technology.”
The SLM®280 2.0 machine offers enhanced productivity, building components 80% faster than previous models, and is designed to work with high-performance metals essential for the fusion industry. Additure has also provided extensive training for UKAEA’s engineering teams, enabling them to optimize build processes and design innovative components for the fusion reactor.
“We’re excited to provide UKAEA with the tools and expertise they need to take additive manufacturing to the next level,” said Will Priest, Business Development Manager at Additure. “The SLM®280 2.0 is a game-changer for the fusion sector, enabling faster production of complex components with materials that are critical for creating the next generation of fusion reactors.”
Kingsbury and Additure are leading providers of additive manufacturing technology. Their expertise spans a wide range of industries, from aerospace to energy, helping companies leverage the power of 3D printing and advanced materials to innovate and streamline production processes. Together, they are playing a pivotal role in supporting the UK’s ambitions to lead the way in fusion energy research and commercialization.
