Nikon SLM Solutions Expands Postprocessing Capabilities with Solukon SFM-AT1500-S Installation at Long Beach AM Technology Center

Lübeck, Germany – May 27, 2025 — Nikon SLM Solutions has expanded its postprocessing capabilities at the Nikon AM Technology Center in Long Beach with the installation of a Solukon SFM-AT1500-S depowdering system. Designed for extra-large metal components, the SFM-AT1500-S is the perfect fit for our NXG 600E platform and will support advanced customer applications with automated, intelligent powder removal.

As part of Nikon SLM Solutions’ commitment to offering end-to-end additive manufacturing solutions, this installation marks another milestone in building an ecosystem of world-class equipment, expertise, and support. The Solukon system joins a growing portfolio of tools at the 90,000-square-foot Technology Center, home to Nikon AM Synergy and equipped with our most powerful L-PBF systems for large-format production and prototyping.

“Postprocessing is a vital part of the AM workflow—especially at production scale,” said Gerhard Bierleutgeb, COO of Nikon SLM Solutions. “By installing the SFM-AT1500-S, we’re enabling automated depowdering of large, complex components up to 1,500 mm tall. Solukon worked closely with us to develop a system that meets our size, safety, and handling requirements, and we’re proud to have their technology supporting our customer operations.”

Solukon’s SFM-AT1500-S is engineered for maximum performance with minimal footprint. It can handle components as large as 820 x 820 x 1300 mm and up to 2100 kg including build plate. Intelligent motion paths, calculated with Solukon’s SPR-Pathfinder® software, enable programmable, precise cleaning of complex internal channels—helping engineers simulate and optimize depowdering during the design phase.

To support safe, scalable material handling, Nikon SLM Solutions also added the SFM-PCU powder collection unit. This high-capacity, sensor-monitored system ensures proper recovery and storage of material removed during depowdering—critical for maintaining a clean, efficient production environment.

The installation represents continued trust in Solukon’s leading depowdering technology. An earlier SFM-AT1000-S unit is already in operation at the AM Technology Center, and the new AT1500-S further enhances our ability to support large-scale AM applications in aerospace, defense, energy, and beyond.

“At Nikon SLM Solutions, we believe in building a complete ecosystem for advanced manufacturing,” said Bierleutgeb. “That includes having the right postprocessing technology in place to support industrial productivity, safety, and repeatability—and Solukon is an important part of that.”

About Solukon

Solukon Maschinenbau GmbH is a German high-quality supplier of powder removal and processing systems for metal and polymer additive manufacturing. In 2015, Solukon presented the world’s first system for automated depowdering. Founded by Andreas Hartmann and Dominik Schmid, the Augsburg-based company has extensive experience in the development of AM systems and related peripheral equipment, and offers a full range of industrial powder processing systems. Since 2022, Solukon has also been offering the world’s Solukon Maschinenbau GmbH l Contact: Marina Haugg, Head of Marketing & PR l marketing@solukon.de l www.solukon.de 6 | 6 first and unique intelligent software for automated simulation and (pre-)calculation of the depowdering of laser-melted metal parts, the SPR-Pathfinder®. Solukon products meet the highest functionality and safety standards and are approved for safe and reliable removal of tough-to-handle and reactive materials such as titanium and aluminum. Solukon has established itself as the market leader in the field of industrial powder removal with its powder removal systems for metal.