Nikon releases Additional Powder Feeder (APF) for metal AM

Nikon Corporation, the Japanese optics and photographic equipment manufacturer, has released the Additional Powder Feeder (APF) – known as the optional powder feeder unit, which enables feeding multiple kinds of metal powders into the metal additive manufacturing system, the Lasermeister 102A (LM102A). These enhanced capabilities contribute to the development of new value-added alloys and components that consist of multiple kinds of metals using the LM102A.

In fields such as aerospace, defense, and energy, high durability and corrosion resistance are essential in ensuring stable performance in harsh environments, including operating under extremely high temperatures. Existing superalloys alone may not sufficiently satisfy new parts’ requirements, whereas developing novel superalloys by combining multiple metals may deliver critical next-level performance. Universities and corporate research institutes are already developing such solutions, and Nikon is now offering the APF to enable superalloy development using small amounts of metals to support such programs.

APF is an optional unit for the small-footprint LM102A, Direct Energy Deposition (DED) type AM system that enables superalloy development using small amounts of metal powders. Two to four APFs can be incorporated to achieve specific user objectives, and they can feed up to four different kinds of metal powders to the AM system to maximize flexibility.

Applications include alloy development, functional material development, and functional gradient material development