From major production milestones to bold new partnerships, this month is all about accelerating progress in additive manufacturing. Safran doubles down on the NXG XII 600, RINA and Nikon SLM Solutions launch a new hydrogen innovation lab, and CEO Sam O’Leary heads to Munich for a high-level panel on the industrial future of AM. We also wrap up our video series with SAAB and AMEXCI—and shine a spotlight on David Wilckens in this month’s team feature.

SAFRAN INVESTS IN SECOND NXG XII 600

Safran is doubling its production power with a second NXG XII 600—cementing its commitment to additive innovation at industrial scale. This next-gen investment supports Safran’s ability to produce lightweight, high-performance aerospace parts faster, more flexibly, and with greater sustainability. We’re proud to be a trusted partner in their additive journey.

Read the press release

H2AM OPEN LAB LAUNCHES IN ITALY

Nikon SLM Solutions and RINA are joining forces to establish the H2AM Open Lab, a new initiative advancing AM for hydrogen applications. Based at RINA’s Centro Sviluppo Materiali near Rome, the lab will explore everything from hydrogen embrittlement to corrosion resistance—accelerating innovation in green steel, oil & gas, and beyond.

Read the full story

CEO SAM O’LEARY JOINS PANEL

ON AM STRATEGY

How do we bridge the gap between design innovation and industrial production? At this year’s Next Gen Manufacturing Strategy Congress in Munich (Oct 23–24), our CEO Sam O’Leary will join a panel of industry leaders to tackle that question and more. Topics include industrial platform design, macroeconomic resilience, and the role of AI and automation in next-gen manufacturing. Register now to be part of the conversation.

More details here

IT’S A WRAP: SAAB x AMEXCI VIDEO SERIES

Our video series with SAAB and AMEXCI concludes with a look at the real superpower of AM—building complex parts conventional methods can’t. From internal features to design freedom, SAAB’s use of AM proves just how essential this technology is for defense innovation. Thanks again to the teams at SAAB and AMEXCI for making this series possible.

Discover the series

MADE FOR MISSION SUCCESS

Join us in Long Beach, CA, for an exclusive Open House event focused on Aerospace, Aviation, and Defense. From live machine demos and real-world applications to keynotes from industry leaders, discover how Nikon SLM Solutions is enabling large-format metal AM—made in America, built for scale.
 
Date: October 13–14 | Long Beach, CA
What to expect: Industry keynotes, machine tours, networking & more

Register now

MORE UPCOMING EVENTS

OPEN HOUSE

Join us at the Nikon SLM Open House, Powering the Future: Additive for Nuclear Energy and Applications, taking place October 7–8. This two-day event highlights how large-format AM is enabling production-ready solutions for nuclear applications.. 

Reserve Your Spot

DSEI 2025

Join Nikon SLM Solutions at DSEI UK, September 9–12, 2025, at Excel London. Visit us at Booth S5-233 to explore how advanced metal AM is powering the next generation of defence innovation. 

Book a Meeting

WNE 2025

Join Nikon SLM Solutions at WNE, November 4–6, 2025, Hall 6, Booth A124, to see how large-format metal additive manufacturing is transforming the nuclear sector with production-ready solutions for the industry’s toughest demands. 

Book a Meeting

ANZ WEBINAR

Join us September 10 for a 40-minute webinar introducing the new partnership between Objective3D and Nikon SLM Solutions, expanding access to world-class metal AM across Australia and New Zealand.

Register Now

MEET OUR INDUSTRY EXPERTS

DAVID WILCKENS

Business Development Manager – Space, Defense & Aviation

Curious How AM Can Strengthen Defense Capabilities? Meet David Wilckens

David Wilckens is advancing additive manufacturing across Europe’s space, defense, and aviation sectors. With a background in business development and strategic partnerships, he’s focused on helping customers apply metal AM to meet complex performance, speed, and security requirements.

At Nikon SLM Solutions, David works closely with OEMs, integrators, and policymakers to unlock the full potential of AM in critical industries. His recent thought leadership includes representing Nikon SLM at Handelsblatt’s Wirtschaftsfaktor Rüstung conference and authoring a widely read editorial on Europe’s role in the global AM race. Whether you’re optimizing a legacy supply chain or building the next-generation platform, David is ready to help you scale with confidence.

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

PICTURE PERFECT SYSTEMS

Experience unparalleled reliability with our redesigned SLM®280, SLM®280 Production Series, and SLM®500 systems.

Featuring advanced technology and the innovative Picture Perfect Pro Plan, these systems deliver maximum uptime and optimal performance.

Learn more about our Picture Perfect systems.

SLM® 500

Maximize productivity and performance with the SLM®500. Engineered for serial production, this versatile system offers unparalleled speed, precision, and scalability.

Discover the SLM® 500

SLM® 280 PS

Engineered for precision and efficiency, this powerhouse metal 3D printing system is ideal for industries requiring high-quality metal components at scale.

Discover the SLM® 280 PS

SLM® 280 2.0

From prototyping to serial production, the SLM®280 2.0 offers tailored solutions for industries seeking to optimize production processes and drive innovation.

Discover the SLM® 280 2.0

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

Al-BASED ALLOYS

Aluminum alloys offer lightweight builds, strong performance, and excellent corrosion resistance, making them essential for industries like aerospace, automotive, and construction where weight and durability are paramount.

Discover SLM® Al-Based Alloys

Ti-BASED ALLOYS

Due to its high strength, low density, and good corrosion resistance, Titanium is suited for production parts in the aerospace and automotive industries as well as in biomedical applications.

Discover SLM® Ti-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.