University of Sheffield to use Freemelt ONE for tungsten component research in fusion energy production
January 30, 2024
Freemelt AB, based in Mölndal, Sweden, has received an order for a Freemelt ONE Electron Beam Powder Bed Fusion (PBF-EB) Additive Manufacturing machine from the University of Sheffield, UK. The machine will be utilised for material research and development of manufacturing methods to produce tungsten components for fusion energy power plants.
Tungsten is a material that possesses high mechanical strength, high corrosion resistance, and the highest melting point of all elements. These properties make it suitable for use in industrial processes that involve extreme temperatures, such as fusion energy production. Due to its extreme melting temperature, however, tungsten is difficult to manufacture with traditional methods which is said to make AM particularly attractive for tungsten fabrication.
Freemelt CEO Daniel Gidlund commented, “I’m extremely proud that Freemelt now will have the first machine installed at the University of Sheffield. This order marks a milestone and puts Freemelt in the front among the most experienced [PBF-EB] researchers and their material process research and application development for industrial applications within fusion energy.“
“The United Kingdom is one of the leading countries in research of renewable energy and the government is investing to further strengthen this position. As a result, we see an increasing interest in Freemelt’s products as our solutions bring extra value to tungsten applications. It is fantastic that Freemelt now is an important player in the growing British cluster for fusion energy and to be a part of the transformation towards a greener and more sustainable energy industry,” Gidlund continued.
Professor Iain Todd from Sheffield University added, “With many years of experience in electron beam 3D printing, it’s very exciting for us to be working with a new partner in Freemelt to bring their technology to bear in developing manufacturing solutions for rapidly emerging technologies such as fusion energy. Our longstanding relationship with the Freemelt team is something I very much look forward to continuing in this partnership.”
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