Safran expands production capacity with second NXG XII 600 from Nikon SLM Solutions
Nikon SLM Solutions, Lübeck, Germany, has announced that the Safran Additive Manufacturing Campus, located in Le Haillan, near Bordeaux, has acquired a second large format NXG XII 600 Laser Beam Powder Bed Fusion (PBF-LB) Additive Manufacturing machine. This addition will significantly expand the campus’ production capacity in order to facilitate the development and industrialisation of metal AM parts for its products.
Aligned with Safran’s objectives of ramping up the production of lightweight, high-performance aluminium components, the company selected another NXG XII 600 for its high throughput, large build envelope, and twelve-laser configuration. Through this machine, the company anticipates its ability to address production bottlenecks, maintain equipment redundancy, and secure the high reliability required for serial production.
The expansion is also said to underscore Safran’s commitment to sustainability and efficiency, as it aims to reduce the carbon impact of aerospace manufacturing. This AM machine, with its ability to produce large, complex components at a reduced cost-per-part, will be able to support Safran’s standards in aeronautics while enabling flexibility and innovation.
François-Xavier Foubert, Managing Director of Safran Additive Manufacturing Campus, commented, “By investing in a second NXG XII 600, we are solidifying our production capabilities and enhancing our ability to deliver advanced components that meet the highest industry standards of both current and future aerospace programmes.”
This purchase continues the long-standing relationship between Nikon SLM Solutions and Safran, which began with the installation of two SLM 500 machines and the first NXG XII 600.
Jean-Christophe Vidil, president of Nikon SLM France, stated, “We are proud to support Safran as they expand their Additive Manufacturing capacity with our NXG XII 600 technology. Safran’s trust in Nikon SLM Solutions as a reliable and financially robust partner reflects our dedication to quality and our ability to deliver solutions tailored to their evolving needs. Together, we are setting new standards for the aerospace industry.”
Nikon SLM Solutions’ CEO, Sam O’Leary, added, “Safran’s acquisition of this new NXG XII 600 speaks to the unparalleled capability of our technology to drive efficiency, productivity, and sustainability in aerospace manufacturing. Our focus on continuous improvement and customer collaboration allows us to empower partners like Safran to push the boundaries of what’s possible in metal Additive Manufacturing.”
