Siemens (www.siemens.com) has achieved what it claims is an industry breakthrough with the first successful commercial installation — and continuing safe operation — of a 3-D printed part in a nuclear power plant.

The German industrial giant said that, because of the stringent safety and reliability requirements in the nuclear sector, this is a “significant accomplishment”.

The replacement part produced for the Krško nuclear power plant in Slovenia is a 108mm-diameter impeller for a fire-protection pump.

The original impeller had been rotating constantly since the plant was commissioned in 1981; its manufacturer is no longer in business. Siemens experts in Slovenia reverse-engineered the part to create a ‘digital twin’. The company’s additive-manufacturing facility in Finspång, Sweden, then used a 3-D printer to produce the part.

Tim Holt, CEO of Siemens Power Generation Services division, said: “We continue to push forward our investments and cutting-edge advancements in AM and 3-D printing.

“This achievement at the Krško nuclear power plant is another example of how the digital transformation and the data-driven capabilities we have are impacting the energy industry in ways that really matter.

“AM’s reduced lead times and faster production optimise parts replacement and create real value for our customers.”

The Krško plant is among the highest-ranked of European nuclear power plants by the European Nuclear Safety Regulators Group in terms of safety, according to assessments following the Fukushima disaster.

It provides more than 25% of Slovenia’s and 15% of Croatia’s power, making it vitally important to the region. For over a decade, Siemens has been carrying out modifications and providing service on the plant’s non-nuclear side, including turbine, generator and auxiliary equipment.