Enhancement and validation of a 3d-printed solid target holder at a cyclotron facility in perth, australia

Abstract

A 3D-printed metal solid target using additive manufacturing process is a cost-effective production solution to complex and intricate target design. The initial proof-of-concept prototype solid target holder was 3D-printed in cast alloy, Al–7Si–0.6Mg (A357). However, given the relatively low thermal conductivity for A357 (κmax, 160 W/m·K), replication of the solid target holder in sterling silver (SS925) with higher thermal conductivity (κmax, 361 W/m·K) was investigated. The SS925 target holder enhances the cooling efficiency of the target design, thus achieving higher target current during irradiation. A validation production of64 Cu using the 3D-printed SS925 target holder indicated no loss of enriched64 Ni from proton bombardment above 80 µA, at 11.5 MeV.