3D Printed Impeller Completes 18 Months in Korean Nuclear Plant; KHNP Plans Wider Use
On October 10, 2026, Nanjixiong learned that Korean metal AM company Daegun Tech reported 18 months of successful operation for a 3D printed impeller manufactured for Unit 1 of a nuclear power plant identified as Seoul in the Chinese source. Produced by laser powder bed fusion in 316L stainless steel, the impeller contains multiple blade groups and serves the cooling system for a generator circuit breaker.Unlike conventional designs with blades assembled onto a fixed base plate, the new impeller integrates the blades and base into a single component, eliminating safety risks at the connections. After heat treatment, mechanical testing and airflow testing, it was installed in January 2025 and operated normally until scheduled preventive maintenance in July 2026.
The project used Korean design, manufacturing and testing capabilities to replace previously imported parts. Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power (KHNP) plans to extend additive manufacturing to other nuclear plants and is considering applications in small modular reactors (SMRs). Daegun Tech's CEO said the company would expand into other high-reliability sectors, including defense, aerospace and energy.
Nanjixiong's observation
Eighteen months of continuous nuclear plant operation provides practical validation of an additively manufactured component in a demanding safety environment, offering an important reference for wider energy-sector adoption.
Sources: 3D Printing Technology Reference; NetEase.
Original source article
AI-translated from an article by Kuaixiong on Nanjixiong, originally published on 2026-10-10. Text and images retain the original source attribution.
Read the original Chinese article
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