Kinectrics and Burloak Technologies demonstrate metal 3D printed components for nuclear engineering.

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September 27, 2025 Applications 175

Kinectrics and Burloak Technologies have successfully demonstrated the nuclear-grade application of metal additive manufacturing by producing a certified hydraulic manifold for reactor systems.

Image left: Burloak's 3D printed hydraulic manifold; right: its traditionally manufactured equivalent. (Image source: Kinectrics)

A subsidiary of BWX Technologies Inc. (NYSE: BWXT), Kinectrics has partnered with Burloak Technologies to successfully apply metal additive manufacturing technology in the nuclear energy sector. The collaboration, which began in 2021, aims to supply nuclear engineering components to address end-of-life issues in operating reactors and support emerging reactor technologies.

The latest phase of the collaboration involves the additive manufacturing of a hydraulic manifold. This complex, high-grade steel pressure component was originally produced using traditional methods. Designed and manufactured to meet the stringent mechanical and safety requirements of nuclear service environments, the component also demonstrates a certification pathway for Burloak's metal additive manufacturing processes in the nuclear sector—marking a significant step toward broader application of additive manufacturing in nuclear energy.

The initial phase of the project focuses on components in Canadian CANDU nuclear power plants and other aging reactors that are at high risk of obsolescence. Both companies also see applications for additive manufacturing in small modular reactors (SMRs) and advanced reactor designs. The technology can reduce part counts, optimize fluid dynamics, and enable rapid prototyping—aligning well with the goals of next-generation nuclear technology.

David Marttila, Senior Director of Nuclear Equipment Solutions at Kinectrics, stated: "This collaboration demonstrates that additively manufactured components can meet the requirements for nuclear applications, provided process controls meet nuclear-grade standards. We apply the same rigorous requirements to additively manufactured parts as we do to traditionally manufactured ones, ensuring no compromise in safety, performance, or traceability."

Jason Ball, Vice President and General Manager of Burloak Technologies, said: "Additive manufacturing enables the on-demand production of replacement parts that are otherwise no longer procurable. We are not only helping to solve obsolescence issues but are also working with Kinectrics to help develop the framework for using additive manufacturing (AM) processes within the Canadian nuclear industry, while creating new engineering solutions that meet or exceed the performance of traditional manufacturing processes."