Hypermetal, announces the acquisition of a Nikon SLM NXG XII 600 system, significantly expanding its production capacity for aerospace and defence applications. This investment reinforces Hypermetal’s position as a leading European service provider in certified, large-scale metal additive manufacturing.
The introduction of the NXG XII 600 system overcomes previous limitations in build volume and throughput, enabling Hypermetal to produce large-format, flight-critical components with greater speed, consistency, and repeatability. By adopting Nikon SLM Solutions’ high-performance multi-laser technology, the company further enhances its process control and qualification capability under EN9100 and ISO9001 standards — essential for demanding aerospace and defence programmes.
This investment is part of Hypermetal’s approved project under Portugal 2030 – Productive Innovation, a national funding programme supporting the adoption of advanced technologies and the expansion of strategic industrial capabilities. Hypermetal’s project was selected for its relevance to the aerospace and space sectors.
The technological upgrade is also aligned with national priorities. In a formal letter of support, the Portuguese Space Agency (PT Space) recognised Hypermetal’s contribution to strengthening independent access to space for Portugal and Europe, emphasising the importance of expanding industrial capacity in Laser Powder Bed Fusion (LPBF) for propulsion systems and other mission-critical applications.
“This investment marks an important step in Hypermetal’s growth,” said Afonso Nogueira, Founder and CEO. “By integrating the Nikon SLM NXG system into our production environment, we are strengthening our ability to support demanding aerospace and defence programmes with certified, high-quality additive manufacturing. It also enables our customers to access state-of-the-art technology on demand — whether to expand their own production capacity or accelerate new developments. It is a strategic move toward deeper integration within the European advanced manufacturing supply chain.”
The NXG XII 600 will be used to produce functional components and demonstrators for propulsion systems, structural assemblies, and thermal management solutions. While initially focused on the aerospace, space, and defence industries, the system will also support complex geometries, lightweight structures, and high-performance materials — such as Inconel — for other advanced industrial sectors.
“Nikon SLM Solutions provides unmatched reliability and productivity for large-scale additive manufacturing,” added Nogueira. “The NXG platform’s precision, scalability, and proven performance for aerospace applications align perfectly with our commitment to delivering flight-critical components under the most stringent quality standards.”
“Hypermetal represents exactly the type of forward-looking partner driving the European AM ecosystem forward,” said Sam O’Leary, CEO of Nikon SLM Solutions. “Their investment in the NXG XII 600 highlights how industrial metal AM is evolving from an experimental technology into a trusted production tool for critical aerospace and defence applications. Together, we are contributing to a more resilient, capable, and independent European manufacturing supply chain.”
This milestone positions Hypermetal as a certified and qualified subcontracting partner for large-format metal AM projects, strengthening the European additive manufacturing ecosystem by expanding available capacity and ensuring consistent, certified quality across the supply chain.
About Hypermetal
Hypermetal is a certified metal additive manufacturing company based in Portugal, specialising in the production of high-performance components for the aerospace, defence, space, and other advanced industries. Operating under EN9100 and ISO9001 certifications, Hypermetal delivers manufacturing solutions ranging from functional prototypes to flight-ready parts, combining quality, flexibility, and innovation. With this new investment, Hypermetal expands its capabilities and reinforces its role as a trusted supplier for leading OEMs and prime contractors in Europe.
About Nikon SLM Solutions
Nikon SLM Solutions AG is a global provider of integrated metal additive manufacturing solutions. A leader in the industry since its inception, it continues to drive the future of metal AM across all major sectors, with customers’ long-term success at its core. Nikon SLM Solutions is home to the world’s fastest metal AM machines, featuring up to 12 lasers and build rates of up to 1000 ccm/h. With a broad portfolio of systems and a team of experts supporting customers throughout the process, the company ensures maximum efficiency, productivity, and profitability. Nikon SLM Solutions is headquartered in Germany, with offices in Canada, France, India, Italy, Singapore, South Korea, and the United States.
More information is available at www.nikon-slm-solutions.com
