Allegheny Technologies Incorporated and Bechtel Plant Machinery to deploy large-format metal 3D printer for defense applications.
Defense spending on additive manufacturing (AM) continues with the latest announcement from Nikon SLM Solutions. The metal AM supplier has just sold a large-format laser powder bed fusion (L-PBF) system to ATI, also known as Allegheny Technologies Incorporated. Working with Bechtel Plant Machinery, aka BPMI, ATI will use the new system for hypersonic and naval propulsion development.
According to Nikon SLM Solutions, ATI and BPMI selected the NXG 600E for its 1.5m Z height as well as its production capacity. The machine, which incorporates 12 1,000W lasersis designed specifically for manufacturing large parts. ATI will use it to process Inconel 625 powder for hypersonic naval propulsion and other industrial applications. This purchase follows ATI’s previous acquisition of the smaller-format SLM 125.
“This strategic development underscores our commitment to delivering American-made ingenuity, superior technology, and empowering the defense and aerospace sectors with cutting-edge additive manufacturing capabilities,” said Nikon SLM Solutions CEO, Sam O’Leary in a press release.
“The NXG 600E’s expansive build volume and sophisticated support structure capabilities align seamlessly with U.S. Navy propulsion requirements,” said Nathan Weiderspahn, BPMI executive manager for industrial base management, in the same release. “Nikon SLM Solutions’ cutting-edge additive manufacturing technology is set to play a pivotal role in advancing the U.S. Navy’s operational readiness, contributing to the maintenance and enhancement of our nation’s fleet.”
This is the second SLM system sale announced by Nikon SLM Solutions in less than a month. In April, the company sold an SLM 500 to Sweden-based LaserTool, a provider of laser hardening services. That investment included a 400-meter expansion to accommodate the new equipment, but the Swedish supplier suggested that it’s well worth it to gain a foothold in metal AM.
“With this investment, LaserTool will meet growing market demand and strengthen our competitive edge as a comprehensive manufacturing partner,” said Martin Nilsson, CEO of LaserTool in a press release. “Additive manufacturing opens new opportunities, enabling us to create components that were previously impossible with conventional methods, significantly reducing material waste, and improving our environmental footprint.”
