Nikon, AP&C and University of Waterloo partner to develop advanced aerospace component repair using metal Additive Manufacturing
April 28, 2025
Nikon Corporation, headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, has announced the signing of a sponsored research agreement with Advanced Powders and Coatings Inc. (AP&C) and the University of Waterloo, Ontario, Canada. This agreement focuses on innovative repair capabilities for high-value aerospace components using titanium alloys.
The research programme will utilise Nikon’s laser-based Directed Energy Deposition (DED) metal Additive Manufacturing machine, the Lasermeister LM300A and the Lasermeister SB100 scanning system, together with Ti-Al and Ti64 metal powders provided by AP&C. These systems, reported to be the first-of-their-kind installed in Canada, will be located at the Multi-Scale Additive Manufacturing (MSAM) Laboratory at the University of Waterloo.
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Ehsan Toyserkani, Director of the MSAM Laboratory, Professor of Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering and Canada Research Chair in Multi-Scale Intelligent Additive Manufacturing, shared, “We are confident that Nikon’s repair solutions and AP&C’s metal powders offer cutting-edge answers to industry-relevant AM technology challenges. This partnership will enable us to effectively develop intellectual property and train the next generation of engineers and researchers through industry-focused R&D.”
AP&C will provide titanium alloys, Ti-Al and Ti64, and contribute to research funding. Frederic Larouche, CEO of AP&C, stated, “We have always seen the potential of industry-academic ecosystems in advancing metal AM with several successful initiatives with the University of Waterloo under our belt. We now look forward to working with Nikon as part of this three-way research agreement.”
Yuichi Shibazaki, Corporate Vice President of Nikon Corporation and General Manager of the Advanced Manufacturing Business Unit said, “Our high-accuracy, automated repair solution provides tremendous capabilities as it combines adaptive 3D scanning with our advanced DED Metal AM System. We are already utilising this technology to repair industrial gas turbine components, and this program will extend its application to other critical aerospace components to further enhance repair efficiency and reliability.”
Behrang Poorganji, Vice President of Technology of Nikon Advanced Manufacturing Inc., commented, “The Additive Manufacturing (AM) sector is experiencing significant growth, particularly with the involvement of aerospace companies. Partnership with the industry and academic leaders in AM is key in accelerating successful adoption of AM. We are very excited and looking forward to this partnership and the growing demand for Nikon technology in this field.”
This programme aims to leverage the research members’ combined expertise to push the limits of metal AM for aerospace component repair. Utilisation of high-quality titanium powders will enable optimal performance, while advanced scanning coupled with high-precision DED technology will provide customised repair to enhance parts’ safety and sustainability. In addition, employing lighter and higher durability materials will extend the components’ lifespan and reduce operating costs. This collaboration is intended to foster AM innovation and address real-world challenges to set new standards for repair performance, quality and safety.
