“We’ve had a relationship with MDF since Kairos Power’s formation,” said Edward Blandford, co-founder and chief technology officer of Kairos Power. “They move fast, they think creatively, and they’ve demonstrated that they can deliver transformative results when conventional manufacturing would fall short.”
Blandford explained that while exploring options for precast concrete systems, Kairos Power received a recommendation from a commercial partner to talk with MDF. “It’s not often we get advice from industry to call the national lab because they move quickly.”
The MDF’s collaborative approach supports Kairos Power’s focus on using rapid learning cycles to accelerate technology deployment.
“This project fits squarely into our iterative development approach,” Blandford said. “By building and testing the molds for the columns first, we’re able to refine our methods, engage early with regulators, and reduce risk before we scale up the construction method for Hermes and future plants. That’s been a core part of our strategy from day one.”
Kairos Power’s Janus column demonstrates an element of the company’s novel design for the Hermes bioshield – the thick concrete structure built around a nuclear reactor that absorbs radiation during operation, protecting workers.
The project was supported by multiple industry partners, including Airtech, TruDesign, Additive Engineering Solutions, and Haddy, who collectively established a new supply chain for nuclear infrastructure enabled by additive manufacturing. Barnard played a key role, implementing and adapting the 3D-printed formwork, providing real-time feedback, and incorporating design changes on the fly to enhance constructability and enable rapid deployment. Dehoff said that the project’s success stemmed from communication between the partners. “It’s a real example of national lab innovation in action,” he said.
This Oak Ridge National Laboratory news article "3D printing reshapes construction for nuclear energy" was originally found on https://www.ornl.gov/news
