# Nuclear component manufacturing innovation at ORNL > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/nuclear-component-manufacturing-innovation-at-ornl > Updated: 2026-08-28T11:30:42.000Z. Sources: 4. Developments: 2. Scientists at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), in collaboration with the A. J. Tuck Company, have developed a hybrid manufacturing process to produce critical components for advanced nuclear reactors. The method utilizes a combination of 3D printing, electroforming, and hot isostatic pressing (HIP) to create leak-free containers, referred to as HIP cans. The process involves 3D-printing a polymer mandrel, applying a nickel shell via an electrolyte bath through electroforming, and then dissolving the polymer core to leave a hollow metal structure. This container is subsequently filled with metal powder and processed through HIP to fuse it into a solid, high-performance component. This innovation is intended to strengthen domestic nuclear manufacturing capacity in the United States. By allowing for intricate geometries and reducing material costs, the technique aims to bypass the limitations of traditional forging and casting, which often rely on specialized facilities located outside the U.S. ## Timeline ### 2026-08-28: Oak Ridge National Laboratory develops new nuclear component manufacturing method Oak Ridge National Laboratory and A. J. Tuck Company developed a hybrid 3D printing and electroforming process to manufacture critical, leak-free components for advanced nuclear reactors. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/oak-ridge-national-laboratory-develops-new-nuclear-component-manufacturing-method ### 2026-08-25: Oak Ridge National Laboratory develops new nuclear manufacturing process Oak Ridge National Laboratory and A. J. Tuck Company have developed a 3D printing and electroforming hybrid process to produce precise HIP cans for advanced nuclear manufacturing. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/oak-ridge-national-laboratory-develops-new-nuclear-manufacturing-process --- Cite as: Nuclear component manufacturing innovation at ORNL. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/nuclear-component-manufacturing-innovation-at-ornl