KSB and Framatome collaborate on additive manufacturing

Test specimens made by additive manufacturing can be used by materials experts in tensile and notched bar impact bending tests to determine the mechanical and technological properties of components. Photo ©KSB SE & Co KGaA.
Test specimens made by additive manufacturing can be used by materials experts in tensile and notched bar impact bending tests to determine the mechanical and technological properties of components. Photo ©KSB SE & Co KGaA.

The KSB Group and Framatome GmbH in Germany are working together on additive manufacturing.

The cooperation is designed to draw on KSB’s experience in the certification process for pressure-retaining components made by additive manufacturing and use it in nuclear reactor applications. Erlangen-based Framatome GmbH specialises in servicing and modernising nuclear power stations.

The two companies are jointly working on a range of topics from the qualification of feedstock to nuclear applications through to the manufacturing of components.

KSB says that it has built up a high level of expertise at its Pegnitz site in Germany over the last few years in powder bed laser melting in terms of quality achieved, process know-how and test methods used.