Freemelt Wins Contract to Supply European Spallation Source
The Swedish manufacturer will deliver 7,000 tungsten components to support the facility's high-stress research target wheel.
Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in Materials Science
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Freemelt has secured a SEK 28 million contract to manufacture 7,000 tungsten components for the European Spallation Source. This industrial production order marks a transition for the electron beam technology provider into delivering recurring components for high-stress research infrastructure.
Why it matters
The contract highlights the growing demand for specialized, radiation-resistant components in advanced scientific facilities. It validates the use of electron beam powder bed fusion for mass-producing high-melting-point materials required for extreme environment applications.
The contract covers the production of 7,000 components using electron beam powder bed fusion. This process utilizes a 0-6 kW electron beam source to melt metal powder in a vacuum, chosen for its ability to form tungsten, a metal requiring high-temperature tolerance.
The players
Freemelt
A Swedish developer of electron beam powder bed fusion systems used for additive manufacturing of high-performance metal components.
European Spallation Source
A European research facility that utilizes a high-intensity neutron source to study the structure and function of materials.
The details
Freemelt manufactures these parts by melting metal powder in a high-vacuum chamber, which prevents oxidation and contamination during the additive manufacturing process. Tungsten is selected for the target wheel system because it possesses a high melting point and sustains structural integrity under intense thermal, mechanical, and radiation stress. The company manages the production cycle by coordinating with industrial partners throughout the supply chain to ensure the components meet the stringent requirements of the research facility.
Timeline
The delivery window for the tungsten components spans 14 months.
The majority of component deliveries are scheduled for 2027.
The Tech Race
This deal situates Freemelt within the critical supply chain for European large-scale physics research. It marks a shift from laboratory-scale equipment sales toward high-volume industrial manufacturing of specialized components for long-term facility operation.
This production order impacts the operational timeline of the European Spallation Source by securing the necessary hardware for the facility's target wheel. The components are slated for integration starting in 2027, with the replacement cycle likely creating potential for follow-on contracts.
The takeaway
Freemelt's ability to supply tungsten components confirms the industrial viability of electron beam powder bed fusion for high-stress research hardware. Observers should track delivery milestones in 2027 to see if the firm secures follow-on contracts for subsequent replacement cycles.
Further reading
Explore more developments in Materials Science to understand how manufacturing processes are evolving.
Source note: This article includes information reported by 3D Printing Industry.
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