KHNP Achieves 18-Month Successful Operation of Korea's First 3D-Printed Nuclear Power Plant Component

Saeul Unit 1's Multi-Blade Impeller Operates Continuously Without Defects
Expanding 3D Printing Applications from Existing Plants to New SMR Components

Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power's first-ever 3D-printed nuclear power plant component (silver part). Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power.

Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power has successfully operated a nuclear power plant component produced with 3D printing technology for the first time in Korea, running it in an actual power plant for 18 months without defects. KHNP plans to expand the application of this proven technology to other nuclear power plants and use it in the production of small modular reactor (SMR) components in the future.

KHNP announced on August 26 that the multi-blade impeller, a generator circuit breaker cooling component manufactured with 3D printing, completed 18 months of continuous operation at Saeul Unit 1.

The multi-blade impeller is a component used to cool the generator circuit breaker. Conventional products are manufactured by assembling several blades onto a fixed plate, so there was a possibility of damage at the connection between the fixed plate and blades.

To address this, KHNP used 3D printing technology to manufacture the fixed plate and blades as a single integrated piece. By making it as one unit without assembly, the company fundamentally removed the weak points of existing products and improved durability. KHNP completed the development of this technology in 2024.

3D printing is an additive manufacturing technology that builds products by layering material based on 3-dimensional model data. It allows for the production of monolithic or complex-shaped parts that are difficult to achieve with conventional manufacturing methods.

Before applying the 3D-printed impeller to an actual nuclear power plant, KHNP verified its performance and durability through heat treatments to enhance material properties, mechanical property testing, air flow tests, and other assessments.

After testing, the verified impeller was installed at Saeul Unit 1 in January 2025, marking the first such installation in Korea. It then operated continuously for 18 months until the planned preventive maintenance in July of this year, showing no defects.

Building on these demonstration results, KHNP plans to expand the use of 3D-printed products to other nuclear power plants. The company intends to use the technology not only to enhance the performance and durability of existing nuclear plant components, but also for manufacturing new components for next-generation nuclear power plants in the future.

Lee Dongkuk, head of the Central Research Institute at KHNP, said, "We will pursue research and development that prepares for the future, so that 3D printing technology can be used not only for replacing conventional components, but also for manufacturing new components for next-generation nuclear power plants such as small modular reactors (SMRs)."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.