Study and Production of EU-DEMO Divertor Outboard Target Body Mock-up Using L-PBF

Additive Manufacturing (AM) is being explored as a promising solution for producing complex components in nuclear fusion plants, which are still under development. Traditional manufacturing struggles with the intricate geometries and customization required for these parts, making AM an attractive alternative due to its design flexibility and cost-effectiveness. This paper investigates the potential of AM—specifically Laser Powder Bed Fusion (L-PBF)—in fabricating the Outboard Target Body (OTB) of the DEMO divertor, a key component in controlling plasma impurities and heat. The OTB must meet strict technical and functional requirements, and AM offers the possibility to optimize its design while integrating advanced cooling channels and complex shapes that are difficult to achieve with conventional methods. The study evaluates the structural performance and fluid dynamics of the OTB prototype, considering how AM can influence design improvements and enable more efficient production. Overall, AM represents a critical innovation in advancing fusion reactor component manufacturing.