Nikon, AP&C and the University of Waterloo to Collaborate for Better Aerospace Part Repair
The aerospace industry is growing steadily, thanks in particular to advances in additive manufacturing. To accelerate this evolution, numerous collaborations are formed every year. Recently, Nikon Corporation formalized a funded research partnership with Advanced Powders and Coatings Inc (AP&C) and the University of Waterloo. This project aims to develop innovative techniques, including through additive manufacturing, to repair aerospace parts made from titanium alloys.
This research project will be use Nikon’s directed energy deposition (DED) metal additive manufacturing solutions, in particular the Lasermeister LM300A and Lasermeister SB100 systems. It will also incorporate the use of Ti-Al and Ti64 metal powders supplied by AP&C. But what does this agreement actually involve? Let’s find out.
Photo Credits: Nikon
A Key Partnership to Repair Parts for Aerospace
The “Lasermeister LM300A” and “Lasermeister SB100” systems, which will be the first of their kind in Canada, will be installed in the Multi-Scale Additive Manufacturing (MSAM) laboratory at the University of Waterloo. Launched in April 2024, they are designed to restore damaged or worn metal parts. Their complementary nature enables repairs to be efficiently automated, making them particularly popular in sectors such as the automotive industry and turbine maintenance.
Ehsan Toyserkani, Director of the MSAM Laboratory, Professor of Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering and Canada Research Chair in Multi-Scale Intelligent Additive Manufacturing, highlighted the importance of the partnership with AP&C and Nikon. He explained, “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.”
Furhtermore, AP&C is committed to supplying Ti-Al and Ti64 titanium alloys, while providing financial support for research. Its CEO, Frédéric Larouche, emphasizes the importance of partnerships between industry and universities in advancing metal additive manufacturing. He notes, “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.”
The aim of this project is to adapt Nikon’s automated repair technology, which the company considers to be both efficient and precise, to critical aerospace components, in order to optimize their durability and performance. Behrang Poorganji, Vice President of Technology at Nikon, concludes, “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.”
The use of high-quality titanium powders will ensure optimum performance, while the combination of advanced digitizing and DED technology will guarantee tailor-made repairs, increasing the safety and longevity of parts. By integrating lighter, more durable materials, component life will be extended while reducing maintenance costs. You can find out more HERE.
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