Automated Solukon depowdering supports Nikon’s AM facility in Japan
Solukon, based in Augsburg, Germany, has reported on the use of its SFM-AT1000-S automated depowdering machine at Nikon’s latest Additive Manufacturing research, development and service centre located in Gyoda, Japan.
Opened in February 2025, the Nikon AM Technology Center Japan (NAMTC Japan) houses a NXG XII 600 Laser Beam Powder Bed Fusion (PBF-LB) Additive Manufacturing machine, along with various post-processing and measuring equipment.
(part dimensions max.: 600 x 600 x 600 mm)
Developed specifically for the NXG XII 600 large format AM machine, with part dimensions up to 600 x 600 x 600 mm, the SFM-AT1000-S from Solukon is suitable for large components weighing up to 800 kg. It features a short swivel arm for a better centre of gravity, and is equipped with the Digital-Factory-Tool, a sensor and interface kit. This records all relevant data on the cleaning process, ensuring maximum transparency.
Nikon aims to produce complex, high-specification components at the NAMTC. As the complexity of these parts increase, so do the requirements for automated depowdering. The SFM-AT1000-S enables fully automated, programmable cleaning of complex structures and channels. In addition to the standard rotation and vibration, NAMTC Japan’s Solukon machine is equipped with a specifically developed high-frequency knocking stage. This loosens powder clogs in component channels through targeted knocking that does not damage the component.
The SPR-Pathfinder software also allows for automated calculation of how the additively manufactured part needs to be moved in the Solukon system. It analyses the CAD file of the component and calculates the ideal movement pattern. This calculation can take place as soon as the CAD file of the component has been created. Users can therefore simulate depowdering during the design process and assess whether their geometry can be depowdered.
“Our aim is to offer our customers and interested parties the highest quality equipment in the NAMTC Japan. Solukon systems stand for the highest quality and reliability, so it is only logical that we chose a Solukon system for automated post-processing,” stated Hiroyuki Nagasaka, Assistant General Manager Advanced Manufacturing Business Unit at Nikon.
