Nikon SLM Solutions sells its 50th NXG machine
A major milestone for one of a few "Western" AM companies that continues to grow rapidly
Nikon SLM Solutions has reached a significant milestone with the sale of its 50th NXG machine, underscoring the growing demand for large format systems such as the NXG XII 600 and its impact on various industries. This achievement reflects the company’s continued success in advancing additive manufacturing and highlights the strong momentum that has been building over the past year.
Established in Germany and owned by Japanese giant Nikon since 2022 Nikon SLM Solutions can be de facto considered as a Western company – even more so as it recently established production in the USA – and it is one of a handful of established Western AM companies across the entire industry to continue to grow despite increasing pressure from Chinese manufacturers. At the same time, the company’s size, with revenues that are estimated to be between $120 and $150 million yearly, is still relatively small.
NXG XII 600 central to Nikon SLM Solutions’ growth
The NXG XII 600 is a key product in Nikon SLM Solutions’ portfolio, offering advanced capabilities that have made it indispensable across industries such as aerospace, defense, automotive, and energy. It is interesting to note that this product received initial skepticism from the industry, with many operators voicing doubt as to the company’s ability to deliver such a large system and to manage multiple (12) laser beams – something unprecedented when the system was first presented. The sale of the 50th machine demonstrates the market’s recognition of the NXG XII 600’s value in enhancing manufacturing processes. Its reliability and productivity have led many customers to expand their use of the machine, with several adopting it as part of their core manufacturing fleets.
This milestone is not only significant on its own but also in the context of Nikon SLM Solutions’ broader financial performance. While we don’t have new data since the acquisition by Nikon was completed and the company taken off the stock market, the last reported H1 revenues in 2023 spoke of 51.9 million euros in sales, a 22% increase compared to the first half of 2022, which already saw strong results. Accoding to the company’s CEO Sam O’Leary this record growth is continuing.
“Selling our 50th NXG machine is a significant achievement for Nikon SLM Solutions – O’Leary said. The NXG XII 600 represents a critical advancement in manufacturing technology, and our U.S.-based production is a key part of our strategy to meet the growing demand in North America. The strong revenue growth we’ve seen, coupled with our successful integration with Nikon, positions us well for the future. We are excited to continue pushing the boundaries of additive manufacturing and supporting our customers’ efforts to innovate and improve their operations.”
U.S.-based manufacturing for the NXG XII 600
To continue supporting this growth and meet the increasing demand, Nikon SLM Solutions has begun U.S.-based production of the NXG XII 600. This strategic decision is designed to enhance the company’s ability to serve its North American customers more effectively. By reducing lead times and improving customer support, Nikon SLM Solutions is ensuring that its clients can integrate the NXG XII 600 into their operations more seamlessly. Additionally, manufacturing in the U.S. ensures compliance with important regulations such as the Buy American Act (BAA), the Department of Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS), and the Trade Agreements Act (TAA).
Localizing production in South Carolina aligns with Nikon SLM Solutions’ commitment to providing high-quality, American-made products that meet the specific needs of U.S. industries. This move also supports the company’s broader strategy of integrating with Nikon, which has already shown progress and is expected to continue driving synergies and further growth.
The sale of the 50th NXG machine marks a key moment in Nikon SLM Solutions’ journey, reflecting the strong market demand and confidence in the company’s technological solutions. This milestone is a clear indicator of the NXG XII 600’s effectiveness in meeting the needs of various industries and a testament to the need to continue to push innovation in AM. Since the NXG was launched, several other machines have entered the market featuring very large build volumes and an even greater number of lasers. While these are certainly not the only two metrics that define a machine’s productivity, manufacturers must continue to address all challenges limiting AM adoption, enabling the technology to gain much broader use within all manufacturing segments.
