--- title: "AMPERA completes first full-scale 3D printed reactor module" url: https://www.voxelmatters.com/ampera-completes-first-full-scale-3d-printed-reactor-module/ date: 2026-07-03 modified: 2026-07-03 lang: en author: "Joseph Caron-Dawe" description: "AMPERA has completed production of its first full-scale, 3D printed nuclear reactor module, a step in the Florida-based company's plan to build a subcritical, solid-state, factory-built thorium nuclear reactor. [caption..." categories: - "3D Printing Processes" - "AM for Energy" - "Nuclear Energy" tags: - "future" image: https://www.voxelmatters.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Ampera-3D-printed-nuclear-reactor-module-01-640x427.jpg word_count: 299 --- # AMPERA completes first full-scale 3D printed reactor module AMPERA has completed production of its first full-scale, [3D printed nuclear reactor module](https://www.voxelmatters.com/ornl-wins-2026-sme-award-for-3d-printed-precision-nuclear-reactor-molds/), a step in the Florida-based company's plan to build a subcritical, solid-state, factory-built thorium nuclear reactor. Brian Matthews, Founder and CEO of AMPERA The module, combining the reactor core and pressure vessel, was unveiled at AMPERA's innovation center in front of more than 100 attendees, including local officials, business leaders and employees. ## Core design and fuel “This [next-generation nuclear core](https://www.voxelmatters.com/engineers-3d-print-advanced-materials-for-small-nuclear-reactors/) and pressure vessel sets the foundation for factory-built, mass-produced nuclear energy,” said Brian Matthews, Founder and CEO of AMPERA. “The advanced technology and additive manufacturing used demonstrate a clear commercial path for new nuclear technology coming to market in an accelerated manner.” The core is a spherical monolithic gyroid structure produced through 3D printing with silicon carbide and designed to run for up to 30 years without refueling. It is fueled with tri-structural isotropic (TRISO) thorium kernels. In June, AMPERA established an Australian subsidiary to secure thorium supply and support U.S. production of advanced nuclear fuel. ## Safety, output and broader strategy The company stated that its systems are built with inherent stability achieved through core design and physics characteristics, reducing reliance on active safety systems and operator intervention. AMPERA's reactors are expected to generate up to 30 megawatts, with larger configurations planned. “Our reactors are built for the markets that need power the most: AI data centers, defense, industrial and maritime,” Matthews said. “We expect to be the first company to industrialize factory-built nuclear power with near-term deployment timelines.” The module follows AMPERA's rollout last week of its ‘Power Now. Nuclear Next.’ strategy, built around an Integrated Energy Architecture platform that pairs waste heat recovery and conventional-fueled generation with its planned nuclear systems. The two configurations share roughly two-thirds of their components.