MPW and Westinghouse advance nuclear metal powder development
Metal Powder Works (MPW), Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA, has entered the next phase of a product development project with Westinghouse Electric Company (WEC), focused on the further optimisation of metal powders for nuclear energy applications.
The latest three-month phase follows what Westinghouse describes as successful results achieved during earlier stages of development using MPW’s patented DirectPowder process. DirectPowder converts metal bar stock directly into powder feedstock for Additive Manufacturing, cold spray and Powder Metallurgy applications without the need for melting.
“This follow-on contract with Westinghouse highlights the solid performance of our DirectPowder process and the hard work of our combined technical teams,” stated John Barnes, Managing Director of Metal Powder Works. “This continued confidence from WEC highlights that our powder works as expected and can meet their exacting requirements, exceeding the capability of legacy atomised powder methods.”
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Under the contract extension, MPW will continue development work aimed at advancing and scaling powder production capabilities for Westinghouse. The companies state that the programme is intended to improve end-product performance and increase the Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of components under development for the nuclear energy sector.
According to the company, the collaboration supports Westinghouse’s broader advanced manufacturing and materials innovation initiatives for nuclear energy applications. MPW added that the agreement contains standard commercial terms and is binding on both parties.
The company stated that, while the contract is not material from a financial perspective, the ongoing strategic relationship with Westinghouse is considered significant.
