3D-Printed Steel Passes the Test

Oak Ridge National Laboratory has hit a milestone in nuclear innovation by successfully testing two 3D-printed stainless steel capsules in its High Flux Isotope Reactor. Built with 316H stainless steel at ORNL’s Manufacturing Demonstration Facility, the capsules withstood a month of intense irradiation—emerging fully intact. This breakthrough proves that 3D-printed components can meet the rigorous safety and performance demands of nuclear reactors, opening new doors for advanced manufacturing in the energy sector.