Nikon has released an Additional Powder Feeder (APF), an optional unit for its Lasermeister 102A (LM102A) metal additive manufacturing system.

The APF is designed to feed multiple metal powders into the LM102A, which uses direct energy deposition (DED) technology. It allows for the development of new value-added alloys and components of multiple types of metals. Moreover, users can incorporate 2-4 APF units into a single LM102A system, with each APF capable of feeding up to four different metal powders with a maximum powder limit of up to 5 kg per unit. 

Nikon claims that the APF will contribute to developing novel superalloys by combining multiple metals, potentially delivering critical next-level performance for aerospace, defense, and energy applications where high durability and corrosion resistance are essential.

Analyst Quicktake : Nikon has steadily expanded its additive manufacturing solutions this year, since announcing plans to reorganize its subsidiaries SLM (now Nikon SLM) and Morf3D (now Nikon AM Synergy), in July. During the same month, the company also opened an advanced manufacturing technology center in California , while Nikon SLM partnered with Tucker Induction to advance copper additive manufacturing in the US.