AFCEN is an International Standard Developing Organisation whose primary purpose is to:

•  Produce up-to-date codes offering accurate and practical rules for the design, construction and in-service inspection of components for use in industrial or experimental nuclear facilities (RCC codes),
•  Ensure certified and readily available training programs enabling code users to achieve a high level of expertise, knowledge and practical skills in using AFCEN codes.

AFCEN comprises 82 institutional members, representing more than 900 experts who contribute to the development and continuous improvement of AFCEN codes at the international level.

With over 50 years of experience, AET Technologies is the European leader in equipment for high-temperature mechanical testing. Our expertise includes the integration of furnaces on multi-brand mechanical testing machines, as well as the design and manufacture of standard and special furnaces and machines. AET Technologies also provides after-sales services tailored to your specific needs.

AET Technologies is one of the recognised specialists in creep testing machines. We offer standard and special creep machines, along with a range of furnaces adapted to different needs (opening, non-opening, high-temperature models). As a longstanding player in the field of creep testing, we aim to ensure the continuity of the MAYES, ADAMEL and NorTest brands.

Our upgrade and retrofit service supports you in modernising your creep equipment and, more broadly, your high-temperature mechanical testing equipment. Our solutions cover:

• Control and command systems, HMI.
• Machine fleet supervision.
• Sensors (temperature, elongation and force measurement, etc.).
• Thermal optimisation (heating rate, temperature uniformity).
• Mechanical improvements (controlled loading).

The CEA is a major research institution serving the French government, the economy, and citizens. Drawing on excellent fundamental research, it provides concrete solutions to their needs in four main areas:

•  low-carbon energies (nuclear and renewable),
•  digital technology,
•  technologies for the medicine of the future,
•  defense and security.

With a workforce of 20,000 people, based in nine sites equipped with very large-scale research infrastructures, the CEA has been ranked among the top 100 most innovative companies in the world for over 10 years (Clarivate ranking) and actively participates in collaborative projects with a large number of academic and industrial partners, in France, Europe and worldwide.

High temperature materials play a critical role in ensuring safe, reliable, efficient, economical and overall sustainable future nuclear systems. The CEA therefore addresses issues relating to the design, manufacturing and metallurgy of high-temperature materials and structures, based on the experimental characterization and numerical modelling of their microstructures and mechanical properties. 

EDF (Électricité de France) employs nearly 200,000 people worldwide. It is french largest electricity producer. The company operates 57 active nuclear reactors (from 900 MW, to 1,650 MW) across 18 sites in France.

EDF mission is “To build a carbon-neutral energy future that combines environmental preservation, well-being, and sustainable development through electricity and innovative solutions and services”.

EDF R&D Division has 1830 employees across 9 research centers in France and abroad. The EDF R&D goals is to prepare for the future and open up new possibilities in the energy sector. EDF R&D works to improve the Group’s performance in all current activities while enabling customers to benefit from innovative solutions. We are preparing for future energy scenarios by developing disruptive technologies.

This includes research on Advanced Modular Reactors (AMRs) and Generation IV reactors, with the objective of closing the fuel cycle in the second half of the century.

In the Generation IV reactor concepts, creep is an issue in the upper core structures due to high operating temperature. Therefore, it is essential to obtain long term data on these structural materials to justify their mechanical properties for extended design-life up to 60 years in particular for unremovable components. The link between microstructural exams and creep properties will allow to determine the key parameters that govern long term creep behaviour of these high temperature structural materials.

At MatchID, our mission is to connect digital image correlation with engineering excellence. We pioneer the next generation of DIC tools by seamlessly linking optical deformation measurements with uncertainty quantification, material identification, simulation validation, and fracture mechanics—bridging every step from experiment to engineering insight.

Salloytech manufactures high-temperature test hardware for creep, stress-rupture, and hot-tensile applications—pull rods, couplings, grips, adapters, and fixtures.

•  Pull rods — threaded on both ends (metric/imperial) or fully customized, lengths up to 1 m (40″).
•  Couplings and adapters — including clevis, button head, wedge grips, custom holders/fixtures, pins, and tailored tooling for test frames.
•  Materials: single-crystal René N5, MAR-M 246/247, 713C, CMSX-4 plus SLS, Waspaloy, the Inconel family — and others upon request.

Why us?

•  From single prototypes to repeat batch production with full customization and rapid lead times.
•  Trusted by major laboratories and compatible with leading frame systems

Get in touch to discuss your specifications!