Lübeck, Germany – Nikon SLM Solutions and the French Atomic and Alternative Energies Commission (CEA) are proud to launch MANTRA, a new joint innovation hub focused on data collection and demonstration for components produced by large additive manufacturing (AM) for nuclear energy applications.

As one of Europe’s leading research and technology organizations, CEA has been developing breakthrough innovations for the nuclear sector for 80 years. Nikon SLM Solutions, a global leader in large-format metal additive manufacturing, is driving industrial-scale adoption of AM across energy, aerospace, and defense sectors.

With this collaboration, CEA and Nikon SLM Solutions will combine their extensive expertise to accelerate the deployment of metal AM for key industrial actors. The goal: to unlock new opportunities for component design, material performance, and long-term sustainability in some of the world’s most demanding environments.

The MANTRA hub will provide a dedicated framework for design, simulation, material, data collection and real-world testing — addressing the stringent requirements of the nuclear industry while paving the way for broader use of additive manufacturing in other high-reliability fields.

“MANTRA reflects our long-term strategy to enable additive manufacturing where it truly matters,” said Sam O’Leary, CEO of Nikon SLM Solutions. “Partnering with CEA—an institution globally recognized for its research leadership—gives us a strong foundation to help shape the future of energy infrastructure with metal AM at the core.”

As a joint platform, MANTRA will facilitate:

• Development of tailored AM process parameters for nuclear-grade materials
• Exploration of new geometries for large, tailored components—beyond the limits of traditional manufacturing methods
• Demonstration and proof-of-concept of materials properties for large-sized parts subjected to qualification under nuclear-relevant conditions
• Collaborative R&D with CEA’s extensive network of industrial and academic stakeholders

“With MANTRA, we aim to turn additive manufacturing into a competitive and trusted solution for the nuclear industry,” said Stéphanie Riché, Circular Economy of Materials Program Manager at CEA. “The collaboration with Nikon SLM Solutions gives us access to world-leading technology, here in Europe, and the ability to co-develop solutions that align with the rigorous standards of our sector and will benefit industrial actors in Europe and beyond.”

The initiative will be officially presented at the World Nuclear Exhibition (WNE) in Paris this November, where both organizations will host a joint workshop to discuss the role of additive manufacturing in building resilient and efficient energy systems.

This project marks the beginning of a long-term collaboration, with MANTRA expected to become a cornerstone in the European effort to modernize nuclear manufacturing through innovation and advanced materials.

About CEA
CEA is a French public research organization dedicated to empowering European companies with innovative scientific and technological solutions. Its multidisciplinary teams tackle major societal challenges, including clean energy, digital transformation, the future of medicine, and defense. Committed to curiosity and collaboration, CEA aims to maintain Europe’s leadership in science and technology and to create a safer, better future for all. www.cea.fr