Metal Powder Works has extended its partnership with Westinghouse Electric Company into the next phase of a multi-year development program focused on additive manufacturing applications for the nuclear sector.
According to Metal Powder Works, the follow-on agreement builds on the outcomes of the previous two development phases and will focus on further optimisation and scaling of powder production for advanced nuclear applications.
In an ASX announcement, the company said the next phase of work is expected to take three months and is aimed at advancing the Technology Readiness Level of components under development for Westinghouse.
Metal Powder Works said the collaboration centres on its patented DirectPowder™ process, which produces metal powders for additive manufacturing and powder metallurgy applications.
Managing Director John Barnes said the extension reflected Westinghouse’s ongoing confidence in the technology and the progress made by both companies’ technical teams.
“This follow-on contract with Westinghouse highlights the solid performance of our DirectPowder™ process and the hard work of our combined technical teams,” Barnes said.
“This continued confidence from WEC highlights that our powder works as expected and can meet their exacting requirements, exceeding the capability of legacy atomized powder methods.”
The company said the work is intended to support Westinghouse’s broader advanced manufacturing and materials innovation initiatives within the nuclear energy industry. Westinghouse technology is currently used in around half of the world’s operating nuclear plants, according to the release.
Metal Powder Works also pointed to broader market growth in the sector, citing projections that the nuclear industry will exceed USD 40 billion in 2026.
The company added that additive manufacturing material consumption in the energy sector is forecast to surpass USD 800 million by 2034, with nuclear identified as the fastest-growing segment.
The content of this article is based on information supplied by Metal Powder Works Ltd. For more information, please refer to the official company announcement and communications from Metal Powder Works. Please consult a licensed and/or registered professional in this area before making any decisions based on the content of this article.
