Holdson was approached by a leading nuclear energy research and technology organisation (RTO). The client operates within a performance-critical nuclear environment, where geometric precision and material integrity are essential parameters.
In nuclear energy applications, lattice structures are commonly used as heat sinks due to their excellent thermal management properties. However, for the lattices to function effectively, smooth surfaces within the complex structure are essential to allow optimal fluid flow, which is critical in regulating temperature and maintaining system stability.
The client had explored traditional post-processing methods but these proved to be inadequate for such a complex structure, as they could not achieve the required smoothness in internal channels.
Before processing, the tungsten lattice part presented a surface roughness of 8µm Ra, which posed a significant challenge in terms of fluid dynamics and thermal properties. Achieving a smoother surface finish would be necessary to maximise the part’s heat dissipation capabilities and enable reliable fluid flow through its intricate channels.
In this instance, electroform™ successfully reduced the surface roughness of the customer’s tungsten lattice component from an initial 8µm Ra to a polished finish of 2µm Ra, meeting stringent quality standards within a rapid 20-minute cycle time.
As a result, the functionality of the component was significantly enhanced, due to the smoothing of internal channels critical for optimising fluid flow and thermal management within the lattice structure.
To read more, and see the before and after results, please download the case study.
