Nanoe, the French company behind the Zetamix line of ceramic and metal filaments, has partnered with nuclear materials producer Orano to develop new anti-corrosion materials for additive manufacturing. To be showcased at Formnext 2025, the partnership has launched two new Zetamix filaments: 304L stainless steel and Monel 400, both custom-made for Orano.
"One of the main advantages of our Zetamix 3D printing technology is its ability to print a wide range of materials," said Guillaume de Calan, President of Nanoe. "We are very pleased to have been able to apply our skills and know-how to support the French nuclear industry, which specifically requires dedicated materials, whether metals or ceramics like SiC. This is a great example of the kind of collaboration we can establish with industrial partners, thanks to our 'Zetamix on demand' offer."
Expanding 3D printing materials for nuclear applications
Launched in 2018, Zetamix develops metal and ceramic filaments for standard FFF 3D printers, complemented by dedicated sintering furnaces to streamline post-processing. Through its "Zetamix on demand" program, Nanoe works with industrial partners to create custom formulations in specialized materials such as Monel, 304L, and silicon carbide (SiC).
The company has steadily broadened its portfolio to include ceramics like zirconia and alumina, as well as metals such as Inconel and 316L stainless steel. This expertise now underpins Nanoe's latest development with Orano by introducing filaments engineered for high-corrosion environments such as nuclear fuel electrolysis.
Used extensively for its corrosion resistance, the nickel-copper alloy Monel is central to Orano's nuclear fuel electrolysis process, where components face intense heat and chemical attack. Traditional manufacturing limited both design flexibility and turnaround time, prompting the shift to 3D printing to produce parts faster without compromising material performance.
The partnership also includes a 304L stainless steel filament for applications with lower corrosion demands. Initial tests focus on small research vessels that replicate industrial processes at laboratory scale, with the goal of streamlining the production of prototypes, replacement parts, and other components for nuclear research and maintenance.
Jeremy Paul-Joseph, Head of 3D Printing Activities at Orano Tricastin, added, "The ability to 3D print components directly in Monel opens up very interesting opportunities for Orano, both for prototyping, test bench manufacturing, and eventually for maintenance. The Nanoe-Orano partnership is a true catalyst for feasibility studies involving specific alloys, with controlled costs and lead times compared to other additive manufacturing technologies."
Additive manufacturing in the nuclear sector
Across the nuclear industry, additive manufacturing is emerging as a vital tool for developing new alloys and geometries capable of withstanding extreme temperature and corrosion. Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) recently demonstrated 3D printed capsules capable of withstanding reactor conditions, showcasing how advanced materials can enhance performance and safety in demanding environments.
Similarly, the UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) is expanding its fusion manufacturing capabilities with dual 3D printing systems designed for high-temperature, radiation-resistant components. Beyond materials, large-scale 3D printing applied to nuclear construction uses new composite formwork methods improving efficiency and reduce waste in the fabrication of concrete infrastructure.
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Feature image shows 3D printed part in Monel. Photo via Nanoe.