Research Agreement between Nikon, AP&C and University of Waterloo to Advance Aerospace Component Repair Technology

April 4, 2025

• Utilizing Nikon's advanced Direct Energy Deposition (DED) metal additive manufacturing (AM) systems.
• Focuses on innovative repair capabilities for high-value aerospace components using AP&C's titanium alloys
• Located at the Multi-Scale Additive Manufacturing (MSAM) Laboratory at the University of Waterloo, Canada's leading academic research in metal additive manufacturing.

TOKYO - Nikon Corporation (Nikon) is pleased to announce the signing of a Sponsored Research Agreement with Advanced Powders and Coatings Inc. (AP&C) and the University of Waterloo. This agreement focuses on innovative repair capabilities for high-value aerospace components using titanium alloys. The Research program will utilize Nikon's advanced Laser Direct Energy Deposition (DED) Metal Additive Manufacturing (AM) System, the "Lasermeister LM300A," and the "Lasermeister SB100" Scanning System^*, together with Ti-Al and Ti64 metal powders provided by AP&C.
Notably, these systems will be the first-of-their-kind installed in Canada and will be located at the Multi-Scale Additive Manufacturing (MSAM) Laboratory at the University of Waterloo. Ehsan Toyserkani, Director of the MSAM Laboratory, Professor of Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering and Canada Research Chair in Multi-Scale Intelligent Additive Manufacturing, summarized the University of Waterloo's selection of AP&C and Nikon as partners stating, "We are confident that Nikon's repair solutions and AP&C's metal powders offer cutting-edge answers to industry-relevant AM technology challenges. This partnership will enable us to effectively develop intellectual property and train the next generation of engineers and researchers through industry-focused R&D."
AP&C will provide titanium alloys, Ti-Al and Ti64, and contribute to research funding. Frederic Larouche, CEO of AP&C, remarked, "We have always seen the potential of industry-academic ecosystems in advancing metal AM with several successful initiatives with the University of Waterloo under our belt. We now look forward to working with Nikon as part of this three-way research agreement."
Yuichi Shibazaki, Corporate Vice President of Nikon Corporation and General Manager of the Advanced Manufacturing Business Unit stated, "Our high-accuracy, automated repair solution provides tremendous capabilities as it combines adaptive 3D scanning with our advanced DED Metal AM System. We are already utilizing this technology to repair industrial gas turbine components, and this program will extend its application to other critical aerospace components to further enhance repair efficiency and reliability."
Behrang Poorganji, Vice President of Technology of Nikon Advanced Manufacturing Inc., commented, "The additive manufacturing (AM) sector is experiencing significant growth, particularly with the involvement of aerospace companies. Partnership with the industry and academic leaders in AM is key in accelerating successful adoption of AM. We are very excited and looking forward to this partnership and the growing demand for Nikon technology in this field."
This program aims to leverage the research members' combined expertise to push the limits of metal AM for aerospace component repair. Utilization of high-quality titanium powders will enable optimal performance, while advanced scanning coupled with high-precision DED technology will provide customized repair to enhance parts' safety and sustainability. In addition, employing lighter and higher durability materials will extend components' lifespan and reduce operating costs. This exciting collaboration will foster AM innovation and address real-world challenges to set new standards for repair performance, quality and safety.

• *"Lasermeister LM300A" and "Lasermeister SB100" systems were released in April 2024, targeting the repair of damaged or worn metal components. The combination of these two devices offers an automated repair solution that has received widespread acclaim for use in industrial components, including turbine blades and automotive molds.

About Advanced Powders and Coatings Inc.

AP&C, a Colibrium Additive company, part of GE Aerospace, has been producing high-quality titanium powders since 2006. Its mission is to provide a secure and robust supply chain of high-quality powders and to collaborate with customers in advancing their additive manufacturing journey towards building competitive and innovative parts.

About University of Waterloo

The University of Waterloo, established in 1957, is one of Canada's leading institutions, currently home to over 42,000 students. Consistently ranked as the most innovative university in Canada, Waterloo excels in advanced research and education across various fields, including science and engineering, mathematics and computer science, health, environment, arts, and social sciences.
The MSAM Laboratory at the University of Waterloo is Canada's leading academic hub for advancing metal additive manufacturing processes. Through cutting-edge research and collaboration with industrial partners, MSAM focuses on developing high-performance materials, products and quality assurance platforms, utilizing state-of-the-art technologies to overcome current limitations and drive innovation across various sectors.

The information is current as of the date of publication. It is subject to change without notice.

Share