First Additive Manufactured Component for EDF Hydro’s Plant

Vallourec has manufactured the first safety-critical sealing ring using Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing for EDF Hydro’s hydroelectric facilities.
06/14/2022
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First Additive Manufactured Component for EDF Hydro’s Plant

This component, manufactured in martensitic stainless steel, is 1-meter long in diameter and weighs approximately 100kg. The sealing ring was designed, manufactured and tested in Vallourec’s facilities.

We recently spoke to Sylvain Guyot, Additive Manufacturing Lead at EDF Hydro, and Samuel Lecerf, Industrial Director Europe/Africa at Vallourec, who explained how this project came about and what it means for both companies.

WAAM

In this video, Sylvain and Samuel explain the WAAM process used to manufacture the sealing rings and highlight the benefits compared to traditional manufacturing processes. Sylvain also stresses the importance of working with a partner knowledgeable in the technical specificities required of major customers like EDF.

Today, we have proved the benefits and the process of this technique and now we would like to scale up production and benefit from this new supply method in our facilities, which will involve thousands of components.
Sylvain Guyot
Additive Manufacturing Lead at EDF Hydro
The advantage of Additive Manufacturing is that we use a welding wire which is capable of printing any geometry. […] Vallourec wishes to explore new horizons with WAAM, and we would like to sincerely thank EDF's teams for the trust they have placed in us.
Samuel Lecerf
Industrial Director Europe/Africa at Vallourec