LÜBECK, Germany, Oct 30, 2026 — Nikon SLM Solutions and PanOptimization LLC today announced a partnership to streamline the use of PanX, PanOptimization’s industry-leading simulation software, within the Nikon SLM Solutions build preparation workflow. The new version of PanX includes a dedicated Nikon SLM Solutions integration that enables users to load validated, parameter-specific templates tailored to Nikon SLM Solutions systems, materials and process parameters. These templates provide engineers with a reliable foundation for analyzing and optimizing the thermal and mechanical behavior of large and complex build jobs before production begins.
Highly productive additive manufacturing systems enable the production of increasingly large and complex components, but they also create demanding thermal conditions throughout the build. As build volumes, part dimensions and productivity increase, local heat accumulation and changes in thermal history become more difficult to manage. These effects can influence printability, material properties and part quality, while an unsuccessful build can consume substantial system time, material and post-processing capacity.
By combining PanX’s ability to simulate highly complex, large-format build jobs with validated Nikon SLM Solutions templates, the new workflow reduces redundant simulation setup and allows engineers to focus on identifying critical regions and optimizing the build strategy.
The collaboration represents an important step toward comprehensive thermal history control. By combining simulation-based build preparation with the advanced thermal management of Nikon SLM Solutions’ NXG XII 600 and MACHX systems, manufacturers can address thermal behavior both before and during the build.
For manufacturers, the result is a more reliable path from design to qualified production. Identifying and addressing critical behavior before production reduces build risk and helps customers realize the full economic potential of high-productivity additive manufacturing systems, with the ultimate objective of first-time-right production of large and complex parts.
“Integrating PanX directly into the standard Nikon workflow reduces redundant and error-prone simulation setup, and makes simulation easily accessible to design and manufacturing engineers,” said Erik Denlinger, Co-founder and Chief Engineer, PanOptimization LLC.
“Our customers print some of the largest and most demanding parts in the industry, and the first build has to count. With our validated templates now built into PanX, engineers can see how a part will behave before it is printed. That saves time, material and machine hours, and gets customers to qualified production parts faster,” said Simon Merkt-Schippers, Executive Vice President Product Management, Nikon SLM Solutions.
PanOptimization will exhibit at Formnext 2026 in Frankfurt, November 17th to 20th, in Hall 11, Booth D49. Nikon SLM Solutions will unveil MACHX, its new production platform, in Hall 12, Booth D119.
About PanOptimization
PanOptimization LLC, based in State College, Pennsylvania, helps manufacturers accelerate the design, manufacturing and qualification of even the largest and most complex production components by eliminating costly trial-and-error builds.
About Nikon SLM Solutions
Nikon SLM Solutions AG is a global provider of integrated metal additive manufacturing solutions. Leading the industry since its inception, it continues to drive the future of metal AM in every major industry with its customers’ long-term success at its core. Nikon SLM Solutions is home to the world’s fastest metal additive manufacturing machines boasting up to 12 lasers and enabling build rates of up to 1000ccm/h. With a portfolio of systems to suit every customer’s needs, along with its team of experts closely collaborating at every stage of the process, Nikon SLM Solutions leads the way on return on investment with maximum efficiency, productivity, and profitability. Nikon SLM Solutions believes that additive manufacturing is the future of manufacturing and has the desire and capability to take its customers there – right now.
Nikon SLM Solutions AG is a Company headquartered in Germany, with offices in Canada, France, India, Italy, Singapore, South Korea, and the United States.Further information is available on www.nikon-slm-solutions.com.
