Radiation protection · Research · New nuclear

Extruded lead for shielding and the nuclear sector

From medicine to research, through to the new small and medium-sized modular reactors, every application that uses radiation needs to shield against it. Lead remains the reference material.

In Brescia, Italy, we cold-extrude and machine lead and alloys of certified composition, to the customer's drawing.

Request a quote What we produce
Since 1972industrial production in Brescia, Italy
Cold extrusiondimensional control and compact material
Certified alloystraceability of every batch
To drawingfrom prototype to series production

Why lead

Lead combines high density, excellent machinability and low cost: this is why it is the most widely used material for shielding X-rays and gamma rays. It can be extruded, cut, drilled and shaped with precision, and at the end of its life it is almost entirely recyclable.

Cold extrusion produces compact, homogeneous parts, free from the porosity typical of casting, with consistent tolerances and a good surface finish. For shielding, this means fewer weak points and repeatable performance from one part to the next.

What we produce

Machined bars and profiles

Extruded lead and alloy parts, machined with drilling, milling and cutting to size for shielding elements.

Thin strips

Strips 0.4 mm thick, also grooved. They have been used in the construction of calorimeters for CERN in Geneva.

Lead wire

Wire in lead, tin and their alloys from Ø 1 to Ø 30 mm, in coils or on spools up to 6,000 kg.

Cold-formed parts

Parts cold-formed from extruded bar, with accurate dimensional control and consistent quality.

Fields of application

Nuclear medicine and radiologyShielding components for diagnostics, radiotherapy and radiopharmacy.
Research and particle physicsStrips and components for calorimeters, detectors and laboratories.
IndustryShielding for non-destructive testing and industrial radiography.
New nuclearComponents for the supply chain of SMR and AMR modular plants under development.

Lead in next-generation reactors

Among the advanced technologies Italy is investing in are lead-cooled fast reactors (LFR), developed in part by Italian companies and research centres. In these plants, lead is not just a shield: it is part of the heart of the reactor.

We follow the evolution of this sector and are available to collaborate with designers, manufacturers and laboratories right from the development and prototyping stage.

Quality and traceability

  • Alloys of certified composition
  • Traceability of every batch, from raw material to delivery
  • Quality manual drawn up in accordance with the ISO 9001 standard
  • Dimensional control at every stage of processing
  • Tailored packaging and shipping, in Italy and abroad

We work to the customer's specification and in accordance with the reference standards indicated for the project. On request we provide the documentation accompanying the supply, including composition certificates and the information required by the REACH regulation.

Frequently asked questions

What thickness of lead is needed for shielding?
It depends on the type and energy of the radiation, the activity of the source and the permitted dose. The thickness is defined by the project's Radiation Protection Expert: we manufacture the components to their specification.
Do you make parts to drawing?
Yes. We start from your drawing or a sample and produce prototypes, small batches and ongoing production runs.
What is the difference between extruded lead and cast lead?
Cold extrusion produces a compact, homogeneous material, free from internal porosity, with tighter dimensional tolerances. In shielding, this translates into more uniform performance.
Can shielding lead be recycled?
Yes, metallic lead is almost entirely recyclable at the end of its life.
Do you also ship abroad?
Yes, we use selected carriers for Italy and abroad.

Let's talk about your project

Do you have a drawing, a specification or a requirement still to be defined? Our technical department will help you choose the alloy, geometry and machining.

Lead is included in the list of substances of very high concern (SVHC) under the REACH regulation. Information for the safe use of articles is available on request.