F4E signs metal AM for fusion agreement with AMAZEMET
The memorandum spans materials, joining, coating and qualification for components such as ITER's first wall
Fusion for Energy (F4E) has signed a five-year Memorandum of Understanding with AMAZEMET, a Polish SME specializing in advanced materials and metal additive manufacturing. The agreement stems from F4E’s Call for Expression of Interest, which seeks to strengthen ties with private initiatives and support the growth of the European fusion ecosystem.
The MoU set a framework for exchanging information, best practices and technical knowledge across five areas: advanced materials and manufacturing methods; fusion-specific requirements for materials and manufacturing solutions; manufacturing, joining and coating technologies; testing and qualification; and codes and standards.
Technical focus on fusion components
F4E says these fields are particularly relevant to in-vessel components, such as ITER’s first wall. The metal “tiles” would be exposed to the plasma’s extreme heat and radiation loads and had to meet demanding requirements.
F4E identified the joining of armor and heat sink materials as one manufacturing complexity, requiring special bonding techniques.
“Fusion sets requirements that most industries never encounter. Materials must survive heat loads and neutron exposure, and the components that face the plasma are rarely made of a single metal,” said Łukasz Żrodowski, Chief Executive Officer at AMAZEMET.
“Working with F4E gives us access to those requirements at the point where they are defined, rather than years later when they reach the supply chain.”
Pierre-Yves Chaffard, Senior Projects Adviser at F4E, said: “We are happy to establish a cooperation with AMAZEMET, a young company with a strong interest in contributing to fusion. Their know-how can bring new solutions to fusion engineering challenges, and, in return, F4E’s insight and experience from ITER can help them further develop and tailor their expertise.”
