Nikon SLM Solutions AG 2026
June opens with a moment worth pausing for. After more than 40 years of contributions that helped transform selective laser melting from an emerging concept into a global manufacturing technology, Dr. Dieter Schwarze has retired. His legacy runs through nearly every generation of SLM technology, and his impact will continue to be felt across the industry for years to come. It is the right note on which to begin this month’s newsletter.
Beyond that milestone, June brings a strong set of stories spanning automotive, defense, and global expansion. A V8 engine block printed as a single piece in Nuremberg, new research into lattice structures for lightweight protective armor, metal AM accelerating the development of autonomous defense platforms, and a new regional partnership bringing industrial metal AM to Latin America.
Here is what is shaping June in Motion.
Last week, Nikon SLM Solutions celebrated the retirement of Dr. Dieter Schwarze, co-inventor of the selective laser melting process and one of the true pioneers of metal additive manufacturing. Over more than 40 years, Dieter contributed over 100 inventions and patents, helping shape nearly every generation of SLM technology from the very first system to the innovations driving the industry today. His work has been recognized through numerous honors, including the Industry Achievement Award and the 2024 Big Five Award. As CEO Sam O’Leary put it during the celebration, the entire AM industry simply would not be the same without him. A remarkable career, and a well-deserved retirement.
At the Bosch Additive Solution Center in Nuremberg, a full V8 engine block has been printed as a single piece on the NXG XII 600 in AlSi10Mg. The project, developed in collaboration with Bosch Industry Consulting, brings together decades of automotive manufacturing expertise and high-productivity multi-laser AM technology. No castings, no tooling, and complex geometries produced in days rather than months. As an end-to-end solutions partner across materials, parameters, software, services, and application development, Nikon SLM Solutions worked alongside one of the industry’s leading tier 1 automotive suppliers to show what industrialized additive manufacturing looks like in practice. For automotive, where suppliers account for an estimated 60 to 80 percent of component production, partnerships like this one are where scaling AM into real production environments begins.
In a collaboration with the Institute of Protective Systems at Helmut-Schmidt-Universität, Nikon SLM Solutions explored how additive manufacturing can address two persistent defense challenges: reducing weight and improving protection. Using the NXG XII 600, 24 unique lattice structures were produced in a single build job, spanning diamond, primitive, and gyroid geometries with varying wall thicknesses and integrated load spreaders. The structures were then subjected to blast testing to evaluate how effectively each design absorbs and distributes kinetic energy. The key insight is that the focus here is not on the material, but on the geometry. AM enables engineers to optimize protective performance through structure alone, opening new possibilities for next-generation armor applications.
As UAVs and autonomous platforms take on a growing role in modern defense, manufacturers are under pressure to deliver lighter, more capable systems on tighter timelines. Metal additive manufacturing offers a direct response: lightweight structures, part consolidation, rapid design iteration, and flexible production that helps engineers move from concept to deployment faster. From flight-critical components and propulsion systems to thermal management and mission-specific hardware, AM is becoming a key enabler of next-generation autonomous platforms. This piece explores how metal AM is shifting from a design tool to a strategic advantage in defense production.
Nikon SLM Solutions has announced a strategic partnership with Xpertos3D to accelerate the adoption of industrial metal additive manufacturing across Argentina, Chile, and Ecuador. The collaboration brings together Nikon SLM Solutions‘ technology with Xpertos3D’s regional expertise, giving local manufacturers end-to-end support from initial design through to qualified industrial production. For high-performance sectors like aerospace and energy, where lead times and supply chain flexibility are under constant pressure, access to production-ready metal AM capabilities in the region marks a meaningful step forward.
Farnborough International Airshow
Meet us at Farnborough International Airshow 2026, July 20–24, Hall 4, Booth 4005.
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.
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Karman Space Programme
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Airbus
Transforming Fuel System Components With Additive Manufacturing
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:
Ready to discover how metal AM can push your business forward? Watch our on-demand webinars and get inspired.
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.
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.
TK Engineering and Nikon SLM Solutions are pioneering copper alloy AM for induction heating coils. Our SLM®280 delivers superior quality, efficiency, and sustainability, supporting carbon neutrality goals.
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.
