Development of Advanced Manufacturing Technologies for the Production of Large Components to Enhance the Competitiveness of the Spanish Industrial Sector in Nuclear Fusion Energy
Edgar Leon-Gutierrez, Marcelo Roldan, Rebeca Hernandez, Marta Serrano, Jorge Alvarez, Jose Maria Artimez, Sergio Ausejo, Alejo Avello, Francisco Canillas, Catia Casagrande, Ignacio Cobo, Rebeca Corralejo, Maria Cortes, Ruben Coto, Daniel Cuadra-Rodriguez, Alberto Diaz, Isaac Fernandez, Adelaida Fernandez, Rafael Gallego, Ruben Garcia, Enrique Garcia, Nerea Garcia-Rodriguez, E. Garcia-Macias, Manuel Armindo Guerrero, Lorenzo Gutierrez, Diego Lera, Oscar Meabe, Jorge Monzon, Oscar Oliva, Marta Palacios, Roberto Palma, Jose Perez, Marcos Perez, Norma Perez, Iñigo Perez-Casero, Esther Puertas, Luis Angel Ramos, David Sanchez-Avila, Daniel Teran, Carole Tonello-Samson, Ernesto Urionabarrenetxea, Miguel Varela, Angela Veiga, Nerea OrdasThe development of nuclear fusion as a viable energy source will require the manufacturing of large-scale and complex components capable of withstanding extreme operational conditions. The RODAS project will address this challenge by developing and validating advanced manufacturing technologies, particularly additive manufacturing and Hot Isostatic Pressing, to fabricate demonstrator components representative of those needed in ITER (International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor) and EU-DEMO (European Demonstration Power Plant) reactors. The project will focus on the production and qualification of fusion-relevant materials such as EUROFER97, CuCrZr, and AISI 316L (ITER-grade), using various additive manufacturing techniques adapted to large-scale applications. Through a coordinated effort among Spanish public research institutions and private technology centers and companies, RODAS will establish specifications, develop hybrid manufacturing routes, and implement non-destructive testing methods to ensure the integrity and performance of the produced components. Additionally, it will explore strategies for future in-service repair using remotely operated systems. The project will significantly strengthen the technological capabilities and international competitiveness of the Spanish industrial sector in the field of nuclear fusion.