Russian 3D Printing Goes Nuclear

While Russia has its fair share of 3D printing–related businesses and research activities, the country may be farther behind in adoption when compared to the United States, Europe and the rest of Asia. It was only this year that the country's first Russian-made metal 3D printer finally emerged.

The company that produced it, however, is no start-up. The TSNIITMASH metal 3D printer was developed by none other than the state-owned nuclear energy company ROSATOM State Atomic Energy Corporation.

What's essential for ROSATOM, however, is the fact that about 75 percent of the parts used in the TSNIITMASH are produced domestically, with the company suggesting that this number will be pushed up to 90 percent. The ability to produce the technology within Russia will bring the cost of the system down to about RUB₽30 million (USD$455,242). At about half the cost of imported machines, the ROSATOM 3D printer will allow Russia to better compete in the global market.

Aleksey Dub, the deputy director of ROSATOM's Science and Innovations Division, explained in an interview with RIA Novosti that the company plans to first use the technology to produce parts for the nuclear industry before expanding to other sectors.

"Over two and a half years, 3D printing became one of the leading areas for ROSATOM's nonnuclear business. Today, a roadmap and strategy of additive technology development in the nuclear industry have been formulated,” Dub said. “By the end of 2018, ROSATOM should have the full set of expertise needed to offer additive technology services. There are plans to have equipment, materials and technologies in order to offer the possibility of implementing any design ideas in the form of finished products.”