Collins Aerospace is transforming aircraft engine production at its West Des Moines, Iowa, facility with the addition of two NXG XII 600 systems from Nikon SLM Solutions. These 12-laser additive manufacturing (AM) machines consolidate supply chain processes into a single room, streamlining production and dramatically improving efficiency.
This innovative setup replaces a supply chain that previously involved casting, forging, machining, and brazing across multiple stations and locations. Now, complex turbine components, such as fuel nozzles with intricate geometries, are produced faster, with unmatched precision and scalability. By integrating post-processing steps, Collins Aerospace has nearly doubled production yield and slashed lead times by over 80%.
Nikon SLM Solutions’ advanced laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) technology plays a pivotal role in driving this transformation. The NXG XII 600 offers the speed, precision, and scalability required to meet the rigorous demands of the aerospace industry. By adopting this cutting-edge AM capability, Collins Aerospace is setting new benchmarks in turbine manufacturing, ensuring cost-efficiency and sustainability.
This milestone showcases how additive manufacturing, combined with Nikon SLM’s expertise, is reshaping aerospace production. The result? Faster delivery of high-quality components, reduced operational complexity, and a more agile approach to manufacturing for the aerospace industry.
Learn more from Additive Manufacturing Media’s Peter Zelinski’s visit to the facility.