Russia Launches Automated Line for Zirconium Sleeve Production at Nuclear Plant

A new CNC-controlled production line at Chepetsky Mechanical Plant is replacing manual labor with full automation in the nuclear fuel component supply chain.

A fully automated production line for zirconium sleeves has been deployed at the Chepetsky Mechanical Plant (ChMZ) in Udmurtia, Russia. These components are used in spacer grids of fuel assemblies for reactors of various capacities, according to Rosatom’s official media outlet.

The new technology eliminates the need for manual labor. Previously, manufacturing the sleeves required at least twenty workers and six machines. Now, every stage is controlled by a computer numerical control (CNC) system, which handles several complex operations simultaneously.

The production line has already mastered mass manufacturing of 36 sizes of sleeves, all made from ChMZ’s proprietary zirconium alloy. In the future, the plant also plans to produce these parts from stainless steel.

ChMZ is a Russian metallurgical facility specializing in the production of metals, alloys, and components for the nuclear industry.