Nikon Corp has entered into a research partnership with Advanced Powders and Coatings Inc. (AP&C) and the University of Waterloo in Canada. The collaboration aims to develop advanced repair solutions for high-value aerospace components using titanium alloys and Nikon’s laser-based “direct energy deposition” (DED) metal additive manufacturing (AM) system. This system will include the ‘Lasermeister LM300A’ and ‘Lasermeister SB100’ scanning technology, alongside Ti-Al and Ti64 metal powders supplied by AP&C. The systems, which are the first of their kind in Canada, will be set up at the University of Waterloo’s Multi-Scale Additive Manufacturing (MSAM) Laboratory.
Ehsan Toyserkani, director of the MSAM Laboratory, expressed confidence in the partnership, saying, “Nikon’s repair technology and AP&C’s metal powders provide leading-edge solutions to key challenges in additive manufacturing. This collaboration will help us create valuable intellectual property and train the next generation of engineers and researchers through industry-focused R&D.”
Yuichi Shibazaki, corporate vice president of Nikon and general manager of its Advanced Manufacturing Business Unit, highlighted the potential of the technology. “Our high-accuracy, automated repair solution combines adaptive 3D scanning with our advanced DED metal AM system,” he said. “We are already applying this technology to repair industrial gas turbine components. This project will expand its use to critical aerospace parts, improving both repair efficiency and reliability.”
Shibazaki also emphasized the broader goals of the collaboration: “By combining our expertise, we aim to push the boundaries of metal additive manufacturing for aerospace component repairs. The use of high-quality titanium powders ensures optimal performance, while advanced scanning and DED technology provide tailored repairs that enhance the safety and sustainability of parts. The result is lighter, more durable components that extend lifespan and reduce operating costs.”
