Nikon SLM Solutions and PanOptimization partner to integrate PanX simulation software
Nikon SLM Solutions, headquartered in Lübeck, Germany, and PanOptimization LLC, Pennsylvania, USA, have announced a partnership to integrate the latter’s PanX simulation software within the Nikon SLM Solutions build preparation workflow.
The new version of PanX includes a Nikon SLM Solutions integration that enables users to load validated, parameter-specific templates tailored to Nikon SLM Solutions machines, materials and process parameters.
The integration is intended to support build preparation for Nikon SLM Solutions’ NXG XII 600 and forthcoming MACHX Additive Manufacturing machines, helping manufacturers anticipate and manage thermal behaviour during production. The NXG XII 600, launched in 2020, is a Laser Beam Powder Bed Fusion (PBF-LB) Additive Manufacturing machine equipped with twelve 1 kW lasers and a build volume of 600 × 600 × 600 mm.
These AM machines enable the production of large and complex components, while also creating demanding thermal conditions throughout the build. As build volumes, part dimensions and productivity increase, local heat accumulation and changes in thermal history become more difficult to manage. These effects can influence printability, material properties and part quality, while an unsuccessful build can consume substantial machine time, material and post-processing capacity.
By combining PanX’s ability to simulate complex, large-format build jobs with validated Nikon SLM Solutions templates, the new workflow aims to reduce redundant simulation setup and allow engineers to optimise the build strategy.
“Integrating PanX directly into the standard Nikon workflow reduces redundant and error-prone simulation setup, and makes simulation easily accessible to design and manufacturing engineers,” said Erik Denlinger, Co-founder and Chief Engineer, PanOptimization LLC.
“Our customers print some of the largest and most demanding parts in the industry, and the first build has to count. With our validated templates now built into PanX, engineers can see how a part will behave before it is printed. That saves time, material and machine hours, and gets customers to qualified production parts faster,” said Simon Merkt-Schippers, Executive Vice President Product Management, Nikon SLM Solutions.
PanOptimization will exhibit at Formnext 2026, taking place in Frankfurt, Germany, from November 17-20, in Hall 11, Booth D49. Nikon SLM Solutions will unveil MACHX, its new production platform, in Hall 12, Booth D119.
