LUBECK, Germany, Nov 18, 2025 – Nikon SLM Solutions and Materialise are announcing a strategic co-development partnership to create a fully integrated data preparation workflow that will combine Materialise and Nikon SLM software. This marks a new level of collaboration, delivering a unified solution that provides complete, build-ready job files — including build layout, toolpath generation, laser allocation, and all machine parameters — in a seamless, validated workflow.
The partnership bridges the gap between software and hardware, solving one of the industry’s long-standing challenges: scaling from new product introduction (NPI) to full series production. Advanced users will be able to optimize toolpaths, assign laser strategies, and configure machine parameters within an OEM-validated environment, ensuring both control and reliability.
“Advanced manufacturers are sending a clear message: scaling from NPI to series production demands both flexibility and validation,” said 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 — while maintaining traceability and process stability.
“This partnership represents a major step forward in industrializing metal additive manufacturing,” said 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 announced that Nikon SLM Solutions has validated the new Materialise NextGen SLM Build Processor (BP), which will soon be available to customers. The new NXG SLM BP provides users with advanced toolpath generation capabilities, handling the extreme data throughput of multi-laser, highspeed LPBF systems, enabling optimized scan strategies for higher machine utilization, and supporting both OEM verified parameters and advanced customization. Using the Materialise Build Processor Software Development Kit (BPSDK), customers can further 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 newly announced co-development partnership, the NextGen Build Processor reflects Nikon SLM’s selection of the BPSDK as its toolkit to develop and embed proprietary toolpath strategies. The new NextGen BP will be showcased at Formnext 2025 at both the Materialise and Nikon SLM Solutions booths.
The co-developed software solution will introduce a new SLMX file format that supports richer 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.
This partnership exemplifies how collaboration between hardware and software innovators can break through existing limits in AM production, combining sophistication with stability and providing manufacturers the freedom to innovate with confidence.
About Materialise
Materialise combines more than three decades of 3D printing experience with innovative software solutions to create a better and healthier world through its extensive ecosystem of hardware, software, and services. The company’s open and flexible approach to additive manufacturing enables partners across industries — including aerospace, automotive, medical, and consumer goods — to build tailored solutions that integrate seamlessly into their existing processes. Materialise’s proven expertise and collaborative spirit continue to drive the industrialization of additive manufacturing worldwide. For more information, visit https://www.materialise.com.
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.
