Nikon SLM Solutions, headquartered in Lübeck, Germany, has released SLM.Prep, a data preparation software designed to unify and simplify build setup for all Nikon SLM Additive Manufacturing machines.

“SLM.Prep brings a new level of transparency and confidence to additive manufacturing,” stated Simon Merkt-Schippers, Executive Vice President Product Management, Nikon SLM Solutions. “By giving customers a clear, visual understanding of how each laser interacts during production, we’re helping them move faster from design to qualification, unlocking real productivity gains and reducing time to part.”

Developed through a multi-year programme and user feedback, the software is designed to offer a greater level of transparency, accuracy and control in AM. SLM.Prep consolidates advanced data preparation into one tool, eliminating the need for multiple programmes and offering faster workflows, accurate build-time simulations, and full slice-level visibility into how every layer will be additively manufactured.

With detailed laser-spot modelling, SLM.Prep is reportedly able to offer accurate build-time estimations based on Nikon SLM’s proprietary scanner behaviour. Users can preview every scan vector on every layer, gaining high levels of insight into the build process before manufacturing has started.

For high-productivity machines like the NXG Laser Beam Powder Bed Fusion (PBF-LB), SLM.Prep provides users:

• Visualisation of all laser spots moving simultaneously on any given layer
• Multiple optic-allocation logics to optimise for speed, quality, or qualification
• Instant recalculation of build time when parameters or allocation strategies change

This level of fidelity is intended to enable faster qualification cycles, better process understanding, and a higher degree of confidence when preparing complex multi-laser builds.

“SLM.Prep clearly enhanced our data prep workflow,” stated Srikanth Purli, Head of Engineering. “It is encouraging to see the software’s trajectory and we look forward to further leveraging its full potential.”

Martin Thordén, VP GKN Aerospace Engines, added, “SLM.Prep is a very user-friendly and interactive software, especially when it comes to working with laser sequencing for NXG machines.”

SLM.Prep is immediately available to all Nikon SLM Solutions machine owners and is planned to be continuously expanded with new functionalities driven by ongoing customer feedback.

Author: Andy Cormack