LSU, Nikon SLM Solutions, Howco and ExxonMobil redesign critical part with AM
June 18, 2025
In a recent collaboration between industry and academia, students from Louisiana State University (LSU) designed and additively manufactured a machinery anti-wicking device. The project was sponsored by ExxonMobil’s Baton Rouge Complex and technical support from Nikon SLM Solutions, headquartered in Lübeck, Germany, and Howco Additive, Houston, Texas.
The anti-wicking device is a part used in rotating equipment to prevent lubrication oil from wicking up thermocouple wires and damaging sensitive instrumentation. Traditionally manufactured through machining an aluminium billet, the device was reimagined for metal Additive Manufacturing using a Nikon SLM 280 Laser Beam Powder Bed Fusion (PBF-LB) machine provided by Howco Additive.
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“This project reflects exactly the type of innovation Additive Manufacturing enables,” said Cody Durand. “Taking a traditionally cumbersome and failure-prone component, and not just replacing it, but radically improving it — this is where metal AM shines.”
Over the course of the project, LSU’s Capstone Team 54 (comprised of Brennon Broussard, Jude Rogers, Matthew Shannon, Garrett Valley, and Robin Torres ) worked alongside Cody Durand and Brenna Dowrey (Design for AM experts from Nikon SLM Solutions), with David Ramirez (Howco Additive) providing additional design-for-AM support and experience with the Additive Manufacturing technology.
Leveraging PBF-LB technology and DFAM principles, the team was able to develop a more efficient, lightweight, and maintenance-friendly version of the anti-wicking device, reportedly demonstrating improved sealing, durability, and modularity, while reducing manufacturing lead time from months to days.
The project’s success was recognised in LSU’s College of Engineering, where Team 54 earned both the Ben Burns Jr. Memorial Award for Best Capstone Project and the Award for Best Capstone Report.
“This capstone project really shows how Additive Manufacturing can enable academia, industry, service providers, and OEMs to work together to produce a part that is superior in every way,” added Christopher Beeson, ExxonMobil’s Additive Manufacturing Lead for the Baton Rouge areas “We’re proud to sponsor university capstone projects that limit students almost only by their imagination to improve the safety, efficiency, and reliability of our operations.”
Charlie Grace, Chief Commercial Officer of Nikon SLM Solutions, concluded, “This collaboration shows what’s possible when forward-thinking industry partners, ambitious students, and leading-edge technology come together. Projects like this not only solve real-world problems — they shape the next generation of Additive Manufacturing talent. We’re proud to play a part in making that future a reality.”
