Additive Manufacturing: Framatome to Open a Dedicated Center in Romans-sur-Isère

On July 18, 2025, Framatome announced the creation of a new center dedicated to additive manufacturing at its site in Romans-sur-Isère (Drôme, France). Unique of its kind in Europe, the facility will enable the production of metallic mechanical components for the nuclear and defense industries.

Framatome has launched a large-scale investment plan to meet the growing needs of the nuclear revival in France and worldwide. In July 2025, the company confirmed it would establish a new industrial additive manufacturing center at its Romans-sur-Isère site. “Additive manufacturing strengthens the sovereignty and competitiveness of strategic sectors in France. Framatome has made it a major pillar of its activities, aiming to enhance security of supply and foster innovation in the design of nuclear components,” said Jean-Bernard Ville, Executive Vice President of the Projects and Components Manufacturing Business Unit at Framatome.

Time savings and more complex geometries

Additive manufacturing relies on 3D printing to design parts and components intended, among other uses, for the nuclear sector. Compared with traditional industrial methods, it reduces the number of manufacturing steps required for components with complex geometries. The process also makes possible the design of new components with shapes previously considered difficult to achieve.

For the first time worldwide, the Oak Ridge National Laboratory (United States) designed and 3D-printed a sample capsule, which was subsequently irradiation-tested in a research reactor in January 2025. The results of this innovative technique were deemed encouraging.

The new Framatome facility will provide metal 3D printing services to the nuclear and defense sectors. It will also feature research and development, process qualification, and training capabilities. To support these activities, the site will host wire arc additive manufacturing and laser powder bed fusion technologies.

“These technologies will allow the production of high-quality components, ranging from a few kilograms to several tens of tons, thereby reducing costs and lead times while improving equipment performance. They also significantly reduce environmental impact by optimizing resource use,” the company stated.

Back in April, Framatome had already announced the inauguration in Romans-sur-Isère of a new workshop dedicated to nuclear medicine and research reactors. ■