Nikon SLM Solutions and NB Additive partner for production-scale metal AM
Nikon SLM Solutions, Lübeck, Germany, and NB Additive, North Richland, Texas, USA, have entered into a strategic partnership intended to expand access to production-scale metal Additive Manufacturing systems and support the implementation of integrated manufacturing workflows across North America.
The collaboration combines Nikon SLM Solutions’ multi-laser metal Additive Manufacturing machines with NB Additive’s experience in workflow integration, production strategy and manufacturing implementation. The companies expect their partnership to help manufacturers transition from prototyping to serial production.
The partnership will focus on applications in the aerospace, defence, energy and high-performance industrial sectors, with an emphasis on production-scale manufacturing and workflow optimisation.
According to the companies, they aim to address several challenges associated with the adoption of Additive Manufacturing for production applications, including scalability limitations, workflow fragmentation between AM and post-processing operations, and the need for clearer return-on-investment assessments.
“At Nikon SLM Solutions, we believe Additive Manufacturing reaches its full potential when it enables true industrial production,” stated Sam O’Leary, CEO of Nikon SLM Solutions. “NB Additive brings deep expertise in workflow implementation and production strategy, making them a strong partner for helping manufacturers scale Additive Manufacturing beyond isolated applications and into repeatable manufacturing operations.”
NB Additive stated that it selected Nikon SLM Solutions as a partner based on the company’s multi-laser metal AM technology, machine productivity, open parameter architecture and focus on industrial reliability.
The companies believe the partnership reflects a wider trend within the Additive Manufacturing sector as manufacturers increasingly seek production-focused manufacturing ecosystems rather than standalone prototyping capabilities.
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“Additive Manufacturing only becomes valuable when it works in production,” stated Jens Kautzor, Co-Founder and Managing Director of NB Additive. “Our partnership with Nikon SLM Solutions allows us to bring industrial-scale capability to our customers by combining high-productivity AM systems with the workflow expertise needed to support profitable production operations.”
NB Additive adopts a vendor-neutral approach, with a focus on post-processing, automation and workflow integration across the wider manufacturing value chain. The company supports manufacturers using both metal and polymer Additive Manufacturing technologies, assisting with application assessment, investment justification and production workflow implementation.
The companies expect the partnership to create growth opportunities over the next 18 – 24 months as manufacturers increase their use of Additive Manufacturing for production applications.
