Materialise, Nikon SLM Solutions Jointly Develop Data Preparation Workflow

Nikon SLM Solutions and Materialise have established a strategic co-development partnership to create a fully integrated data preparation workflow that combines combine Materialise and Nikon SLM software. This represents a strengthened collaboration, delivering a solution that provides build-ready job files, including build layout, toolpath generation, laser allocation, and all machine parameters, in a validated workflow.

Advanced users can now optimize toolpaths, assign laser strategies, and configure machine parameters within an OEM-validated environment.

“Advanced manufacturers are sending a clear message: scaling from NPI to series production demands both flexibility and validation,” says Brigitte de Vet, CEO of Materialise. “Together with Nikon SLM, we’re building an integrated build processor that connects seamlessly from leading CAD/CAM systems such as Magics, Siemens, and PTC to fully build-ready job files—with no need to add machine-dependent information. By combining deep customization with OEM validation, we’re giving manufacturers the confidence to scale to repeatable series production.”

The collaboration addresses key production pain points, including fragmented workflows, lack of validation, and limited customization options. For aerospace, defense, and advanced manufacturing customers, this means the ability to move from prototype to certified production faster, maintaining traceability and process stability.

“This partnership represents a major step forward in industrializing metal additive manufacturing,” says Sam O’Leary, CEO of Nikon SLM Solutions. “By integrating Materialise’s software expertise with our proven NXG technology, we’re delivering a platform where advanced control and repeatability meet scalability. It’s a powerful example of co-creation—one that benefits the entire AM ecosystem.”

Both companies also report that Nikon SLM Solutions has validated the new Materialise NextGen SLM Build Processor (BP), which will be available to customers. The new NXG SLM BP provides users with advanced toolpath generation capabilities, handling the data throughput of multi-laser, highspeed LPBF systems, enabling optimized scan strategies for higher machine utilization, and supporting OEM verified parameters and advanced customization.

Using the Materialise Build Processor Software Development Kit (BPSDK), customers can tailor toolpath strategies to specific applications within a secure framework for parameter development and IP protection. Serving as the foundation for deeper integration and machine software connection in the co-development partnership, the NextGen Build Processor reflects Nikon SLM’s selection of the BPSDK as its toolkit to develop and embed toolpath strategies. 

The co-developed software solution will introduce a SLMX file format that supports machine data, complete build files, and flexible workflow capability, from automated pre-set builds to advanced, fully customized production. Future plans include integration with Materialise’s CO-AM platform for end-to-end workflow automation and SLM.Secure validation for traceable series production.

Sources: Press materials received from the company and additional information gleaned from the company’s website.