Based on the characteristics of metal 3D printing technology,the research and application status of metal 3D printing technology in the field of nuclear power are analyzed. At present,the research and application of this technology in the field of nuclear power is still at the initial stage,which is limited to the manufacture of prototype parts and the in-service replacement of non-key components,and the technical application of key nuclear-level components has not been really realized. According to the characteristics of nuclear power components and the special requirements of functional service,the key problems and preliminary solutions of metal 3D printing technology in the field of nuclear power are summarized. Combining with the characteristics of 3D printing technology and the actual needs of power plants,the application prospect analysis is carried out.