Manufacturing Technology for Implementing Geological Disposal - Electroforming of Copper Canisters

Existing capability and further development needs for implementing electroforming as a viable manufacturing process to produce KBS-3 type copper canisters is discussed. Large copper cylinders with dimensions similar to the Swedish KBS-3 design can readily be produced. The challenge lies in controlling the electro-deposition process to conform to compositional and mechanical requirements of the produced copper layers, illustrated with examples of the effect of electrolyte additives on the carbon and oxygen content, and the grain size of the electroformed layer. Challenges to up-scale the process to manufacture KBS-3 type prototypes are briefly discussed, with possible ways to introduce a robust manufacturing route.