AM Qualification Gains Traction in Energy Sector

The energy sector demands high reliability for components operating under extreme conditions, making qualification a critical challenge for additive manufacturing (AM). The Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI), in collaboration with America Makes and industry partners, has been working to address this by facilitating the transition of AM technologies into practical applications.

EPRI recently received an ASME award for its paper, “Learnings in the Qualification of ABD®900AM for Turbine, Aerospace, and Energy Applications.” This research centers on ABD®-900AM, a nickel-based superalloy developed by Alloyed specifically for AM. The paper details lessons learned during the qualification process for this material across turbine, aerospace, and energy sectors. Notably, the project involved multiple entities, manufacturing sites, and AM systems, aiming to build a robust foundation for future AM deployments.

This recognition underscores the growing importance of qualification as a key factor enabling wider adoption of AM in critical industries. The energy sector has long recognized AM's potential for supply chain optimization and producing complex geometries, but simply printing a part is insufficient for high-stakes applications. Rigorous testing, data collection, and validation are essential to ensure consistent performance.

EPRI's collaborative approach involves adapting aerospace and defense qualification practices for the energy industry and sharing these insights. This coordinated effort allows companies and organizations to build upon existing knowledge, fostering a more efficient qualification pathway. While qualification may not receive the same spotlight as new hardware or materials, it is pivotal for bringing AM technologies into real-world use, especially for emerging energy technologies like advanced nuclear reactors and modernized grid infrastructure.