Long Beach, California – 11th of June 2024 – Nikon SLM Solutions, a pioneer in metal additive manufacturing, is proud to announce a significant enhancement in its partnership with Howco Metals Management LLC. This strengthened collaboration is marked by Howco’s recent acquisition of two new SLM®280 PS systems and an exclusive initiative to develop and deploy high-quality process parameters for C103 alloy, tailored for aerospace applications. Howco will have exclusivity for non-defense applications of C103 for three years on the Nikon SLM®280 and SLM®500 systems.
This strategic development enables Howco to significantly upscale its production capabilities, now totaling four advanced Nikon SLM® machines. The initiative not only amplifies Howco’s manufacturing capacity but also diversifies its material offerings, particularly targeting the demanding aerospace sector with the introduction of C103—a high-performance alloy known for its robustness at elevated temperatures.
“Partnering with Nikon SLM Solutions has equipped us with unparalleled technological support, enabling us to expand into new markets beyond our traditional scope,” said Conrad Kao, Director of Additive Manufacturing at Howco. “These advanced SLM®280 PS systems empower us to enhance our operational efficiency and cater to the intricate needs of the aerospace industry.”
The collaboration focuses on optimizing the unique properties of C103 for rocket nozzles and other high-temperature applications, ensuring Howco remains at the forefront of innovation within the aerospace and beyond.
“This partnership is instrumental as we continue to push the boundaries of additive manufacturing,” commented Antony Browy, Regional Sales Manager at Nikon SLM Solutions. “The exclusive development of C103 process parameters sets a new industry benchmark, ensuring Howco not only meets but exceeds the stringent quality and performance standards demanded by the aerospace sector.”
About Howco
Howco is a global distributor and processor of high-performance alloys and components, with world class machining capabilities, serving the oil, gas, chemical, and energy sectors. Its expansive services and manufacturing solutions cover integrated services (including deep hole boring, forging and heat treatment), additive manufacturing (including printing and reverse engineering) and CNC machining and manufacturing (including assembly and pressure testing, precision fabrication and scientific assembly).
As part of its commitment to innovation, Howco has integrated metal additive manufacturing into its services, positioning it at the forefront of its cutting-edge capabilities. This addition provides customers with access to the latest technology for manufacturing metal components. Leveraging its experience in high-performance alloys and advancements in manufacturing, Howco delivers a new level of speed, quality, and design flexibility to mission critical applications.
Howco’s commitment to quality and its extensive range of services across ten locations in six countries underscores its position as a complete solution provider to the world’s most demanding industries.
Nikon SLM Solutions AG is a global provider of integrated metal additive manufacturing solutions. Leading the industry since its inception, it continues to drive the future of metal AM in every major industry with its customers’ long-term success at its core. Nikon SLM Solutions is home to the world’s fastest metal additive manufacturing machines boasting up to 12 lasers and enabling build rates of up to 1000ccm/h. With a portfolio of systems to suit every customer's needs, along with its team of experts closely collaborating at every stage of the process, Nikon SLM Solutions leads the way on return on investment with maximum efficiency, productivity, and profitability. Nikon SLM Solutions believes that additive manufacturing is the future of manufacturing and has the desire and capability to take its customers there – right now.
Nikon SLM Solutions AG is a Company headquartered in Germany, with offices in Canada, China, France, India, Italy, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, and the United States.
Further information is available on www.nikon-slm-solutions.com.