Nikon SLM Solutions AG 2024
Metal additive manufacturing (AM) is reshaping the defense industry, offering unmatched flexibility and efficiency in producing mission-critical components. As defense systems grow more advanced, the demand for lightweight, high-performance parts is surging — and metal AM makes it possible to create complex geometries and optimized structures that traditional methods can’t achieve. Additionally, AM strengthens supply chain resilience, ensuring faster deployment of critical parts and reducing reliance on long lead times. Nikon SLM Solutions is at the forefront of this transformation, delivering the most productive systems with the highest throughput and lowest idle times, enabling defense forces to stay ready, agile, and ahead of the curve.
Supply Chain Resilience and On-Demand Manufacturing
Modern defense operations require rapid deployment and logistical flexibility. Nikon SLM Solutions’ metal AM technology empowers defense forces to produce spare parts and mission-critical components on-demand, significantly reducing reliance on complex supply chains. In combat zones or remote locations, the ability to manufacture parts locally ensures faster repairs and minimizes downtime — keeping essential equipment operational when it matters most.
For aging military assets, AM offers a lifeline. Legacy parts that are no longer produced by original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) can be recreated quickly and cost-effectively, avoiding the need for lengthy reverse engineering or expensive machining processes. This capability enhances fleet readiness and extends the service life of critical defense systems.
Enhanced Design and Performance
Defense applications demand components that are both lightweight and strong — a challenge perfectly suited to metal AM. Unlike traditional manufacturing, AM removes design constraints, enabling engineers to create geometries that maximize performance while minimizing weight.
Nikon SLM Solutions’ systems support advanced design techniques such as topology optimization, where software calculates the ideal material distribution to withstand loads while using the least amount of material possible. This results in lighter vehicles, stronger aircraft components, and more efficient defense systems. Additionally, internal lattices and hollow structures that maintain structural integrity while cutting down weight can be printed directly, something that conventional machining cannot achieve.
Another game-changer is part consolidation. Traditional assemblies that once required multiple components — each with its own fasteners and weld points — can be consolidated into a single printed part, reducing failure points, streamlining production, and improving durability.
Cost and Time Efficiency
In defense, time can mean the difference between mission success and failure. Nikon SLM Solutions’ metal AM technology dramatically reduces lead times, ensuring rapid production of critical parts — whether for immediate deployment or accelerated research and development.
For low-volume production runs, AM eliminates the need for costly molds and tooling, making it a cost-effective solution for producing specialized parts. Defense programs often require small batches of customized components, and AM delivers exactly that without the burden of minimum order quantities. Nikon SLM Solutions leads the industry in machine productivity, ensuring that every print run achieves maximum output with minimal idle time.
Raw material efficiency is another crucial advantage. Traditional subtractive processes generate considerable waste, especially when using high-cost alloys. AM, on the other hand, builds parts layer by layer, ensuring optimal material utilization. This is particularly valuable when producing parts near conflict zones, where conserving every bit of raw material is essential.
Materials for Mission-Critical Applications
In the extreme environments faced by defense equipment — from scorching deserts to deep-sea operations — material selection is critical. Nikon SLM Solutions’ machines are designed to handle a wide range of high-performance materials:
Nikon SLM Solutions offers more than just machines — we provide materials and the expertise to guide defense manufacturers in selecting the right alloys for their mission. Our application engineers and material scientists are ready to help optimize your processes, ensuring that every part produced meets the highest performance standards.
Why Partner with Nikon SLM Solutions?
Nikon SLM Solutions isn’t just a pioneer in metal AM — we’re a trusted partner to the defense industry, with a long track record of delivering reliable, high-performance systems built to handle the most demanding applications. Our systems, built in the United States and Germany, offer industry-leading productivity and uptime, with multi-laser configurations that drive throughput while ensuring precision.
Security is paramount in defense manufacturing, and our SLM.Secure technology protects your intellectual property through encrypted build files, safeguarding sensitive designs from unauthorized access. Additionally, our systems feature efficient powder handling, enabling rapid material changes and reducing downtime in fast-paced environments.
Beyond technology, we offer the stability and support that defense contractors need. With several Department of Defense (DoD) contracts and Admiral Mike Mullen as a Strategic Advisor, we understand the complexities of military procurement and are committed to long-term partnerships. Our strong network of regional partners ensures fast, local service — no matter where your operations take you.
Choosing the right AM system is critical. Whether you need the groundbreaking productivity of the NXG XII 600, the versatility of the SLM®500, or the flexibility of the SLM®280, we provide tools to compare systems side by side, helping you select the perfect fit for your applications.
In a world where readiness and innovation are mission-critical, Nikon SLM Solutions delivers the technology, expertise, and support to keep defense forces prepared for whatever comes next. Let’s build the future of defense manufacturing together.
Our Mission, to Empower Yours
To learn more about how Nikon SLM Solutions can help you optimize your manufacturing processes, please contact our team.
