As we close out one of the most impactful months of the year, the direction is clear: metal AM is scaling — fast.

From Hypermetal’s NXG expansion and LEAP71’s breakthrough rocket injector to new software integrations and quality monitoring partnerships, November delivered real progress in productivity, reliability, and industrialization.

This issue brings together all the highlights, plus a look at the people behind the work.

HYPERMETAL INVESTS IN NXG

Certified metal AM specialist Hypermetal is taking a major leap forward with the acquisition of a Nikon SLM NXG XII 600, expanding its capability for flight-critical aerospace and defense components under EN9100 and ISO9001.

This investment is part of Hypermetal’s Portugal 2030 – Productive Innovation project and is formally endorsed by PT Space, recognizing its role in strengthening Europe’s independent access to space.

Read More

NEW QA PARTNERSHIP WITH INTERSPECTRAL

Nikon SLM Solutions and Interspectral have joined forces to combine AM Explorer with our open-architecture platforms — creating a fully integrated quality assurance and process-monitoring workflow.

This means:

• 
  Faster qualification
• Improved repeatability
• Reduced variability
• A complete digital thread from setup to final inspection

With leading adopters like GKN Aerospace, this partnership accelerates the journey from low-series to true industrial production.

Full announcement

MATERIALISE & NIKON SLM CO-DEVELOP INTEGRATED DATA PREP

We’re partnering with Materialise to deliver the next generation of data preparation — a single, OEM-validated workflow that connects toolpath generation, laser allocation, parameters, and a new build-ready SLMX file format.

Built for:

• Faster certification
• Complete traceability
• Smooth transition from NPI to series production

Read more

NIKON SLM VALIDATES OQTON 3DXPERT BUILD PROCESSOR

Nikon SLM Solutions has officially validated Oqton’s 3DXpert build processor, strengthening our long-standing partnership and delivering a fully integrated, production-ready workflow for industrial metal AM.

The validation — supported by AMEXCI — ensures full compatibility with our multi-laser NXG systems and provides manufacturers with a more reliable, consistent path from data prep to build execution. It’s a major step toward simpler, scalable, and repeatable series production.

Read the announcement

NIKON SLM & ADDITIVE ASSURANCE BREAK NEW GROUND

For the first time ever, an optical tomography system will monitor all 12 lasers simultaneously — thanks to our new partnership with Additive Assurance and the integration of AMiRIS Inside on the NXG platform.

This near-infrared monitoring breakthrough brings unmatched visibility, traceability, and confidence to large-scale production.

Read More

ONE OF THE LARGEST 3D-PRINTED ROCKET PARTS EVER

Nikon SLM Solutions and LEAP 71 have successfully produced one of the largest and most complex spacecraft parts ever printed — a 2 MN rocket engine injector head, manufactured in Inconel 718 on the NXG 600E.

This milestone demonstrates what becomes possible when high-speed metal additive manufacturing meets AI-driven computational design. It’s a powerful example of how advanced AM and computational engineering are redefining propulsion systems for the next generation of space technology.

Watch our experts walk you through the part — a behind-the-scenes look at how it was printed, what makes it unique, and why it matters for the future of aerospace.

Watch now

CEA & NIKON SLM LAUNCH MANTRA

We’ve launched MANTRA, a joint innovation hub with CEA to accelerate large-format metal AM for nuclear applications.

From design and simulation to materials and testing, MANTRA strengthens Europe’s ability to innovate safely and efficiently with next-generation energy technologies.

See announcement

THANK YOU FORMNEXT

What a week!

Thank you to every visitor, partner, and colleague who helped bring The Power of Perspective to life.

Your conversations, ideas, and energy made this our strongest Formnext yet.

Until next year.

The Power of Perspective

EXPLORE ADDICTIVE ADDITIVE:
YOUR AM KNOWLEDGE HUB

Stay ahead of the curve with Addictive Additive, Nikon SLM Solutions’ dedicated blog for exclusive business cases, expert insights, and the latest trends in additive manufacturing. Whether you’re exploring advanced aerospace applications, cutting-edge automotive innovations, or new material developments, our blog has you covered.

Read the latest articles

MEET OUR INDUSTRY EXPERTS

JONAS MERSCH

Strategic Account Management Program Lead

Meet Our Expert: Jonas Mersch — Strategic Account Management Program Lead

For the past 18 months, Jonas Mersch has been leading our Strategic Account Management Program — a key initiative focused on building deeper partnerships with our highest-growth customers.

Working closely with cross-functional teams, Jonas identifies growth opportunities, removes roadblocks, and ensures customers have everything they need to accelerate success. His approach is collaborative, structured, and deeply customer-focused.

Jonas brings over 10 years of experience in metal AM — from Fraunhofer ILT to driving product innovation at Nikon SLM Solutions, where he played a central role in the market launch of the NXG XII 600.

With Jonas leading this program, our customers gain stronger support, clearer pathways to growth, and solutions shaped around their real-world challenges.

CUSTOMER SUCCESS STORIES

Karman Space Programme

Pushing the Boundaries of Reusable Rocket Engines

Download Case Study

Airbus
Transforming Fuel System Components With Additive Manufacturing

Download Case Study

Emerson
Pioneering Innovations in Control Valves

Download Case Study

Wabtec
Streamlining Rail Safety with Wabtec’s Advanced Pantograph System

Download Case Study

ON-DEMAND WEBINARS

Curious about how metal additive manufacturing (AM) is reshaping industries?

Our collection of on-demand webinars gives you access to the latest innovations and trends in this transformative technology.

From aerospace to energy, metal AM is changing the way we manufacture. Explore topics such as:

• Innovative Applications: See how cutting-edge AM technology is driving breakthroughs in product development.
• Industry Trends: Stay informed on the most recent advancements shaping the future of metal AM.
• Technical Insights: Dive deep into the technical aspects, from design optimization to material choices and processes.

Ready to discover how metal AM can push your business forward? Watch our on-demand webinars and get inspired.

MATERIALS MATTER

NI-BASED ALLOYS

Nickel-based alloys provide exceptional strength, heat resistance, and corrosion performance, making them essential for demanding applications in aerospace, energy, and industrial sectors where extreme temperatures and harsh environments require reliable, high-performing materials.

Discover SLM® Ni-Based Alloys

Cu-BASED ALLOYS

Copper-based alloys offer outstanding thermal and electrical conductivity along with strong mechanical performance, making them essential for applications in tooling, electronics, and advanced energy systems where high strength and efficient heat or power transfer are critical.

Discover SLM® Cu-Based Alloys

MATERIAL CASE STUDIES

Download this case study to learn more about GRCop-42, a copper alloy essential for rocket engine components that require high thermal conductivity and strength.

At Nikon SLM Solutions, we have permanently open positions to join our team of experts worldwide. Work alongside the most talented people that have the freedom to explore, push the limits, and collaborate closely with the most incredible clients. Experience what it’s like to be part of something that changes manufacturing forever – with us.