Nikon and Dyndrite break the "pick one out of three" rule in metal AM, by combining speed, precision and low cost
The Atomic Layers: S9E30 (00267)
Atomic Layer of the Day:
Since the second half of the 2010s — the beginning of the second wave of AM popularity, which was expected to revolutionize industrial manufacturing after the unfulfilled consumer 3D printing revolution — much has been said about accelerating 3D printing processes, increasing their precision, and reducing costs.
Unfortunately, in reality, achieving these goals in LPBF technology often involves trade-offs. You usually have to pick one: either you print fast, or accurately, or cheaply.
However, the newly announced collaboration between Nikon SLM Solutions and Dyndrite suggests that these compromises may finally be coming to an end.
Dyndrite LPBF Pro is a new software platform that has been fully integrated into Nikon SLM Solutions’ offering and officially tested on all of the company's key machines — from the SLM280 models to the flagship NXG XII 600. Notably, it’s the first third-party software in over two decades to receive such extensive support within the SLM ecosystem.
For users, this means access to a tool that can significantly transform how metal 3D printing is approached in practice.
One of the biggest challenges in LPBF has always been the complexity of preparing models for printing — planning laser paths, optimizing supports, or balancing quality and build time parameters. Dyndrite offers tools that automate and accelerate these processes using Python scripting, while also providing far greater control over how the part is actually built.
As a result, it becomes possible to print challenging, thin-walled, or undercut geometries without supports or with minimal support structures.
From the user's perspective, this shift not only leads to better part quality and shorter turnaround times, but also to reduced material consumption and lower unit costs — which is crucial in serial production.
It’s also worth emphasizing that full compatibility with Nikon SLM’s multi-laser systems allows for even better utilization of machines that are among the most efficient in the metal AM market.
So, this is not just about adding another program to a list of compatible tools — it’s about pushing the boundaries of what can realistically be achieved with LPBF printing. While the implementation doesn’t change the physics of the process, the way it is controlled and optimized can truly deliver a new level of performance — both for companies already using metal AM and for those that haven’t yet seen it as a viable alternative to conventional methods.
Will this be a turning point for the industry? Time will tell. But in a context where pressure for productivity, automation, and cost reduction is growing across nearly every industrial sector, tools like Dyndrite LPBF Pro may be exactly what a mature metal 3D printing market needs.
Atomic Layer from the Past:
30-04-2013: iMakr opened its first 3D printing store in central London.
News & Gossip:
According to 3Druck.com, QBIG 3D, a German specialist in large-format FDM 3D printing, ceased operations on 28 April 2025 after failed restructuring efforts. Despite the provisional insolvency administrator's involvement, no viable solution was found. The company, known for producing technical parts from high-temperature materials like ABS and carbon-fiber-reinforced filaments, served clients in automotive, engineering, and architecture. High investment costs, growing foreign competition, and rising operational expenses contributed to its closure. Former Managing Director Dennis Herrmann remains available to assist customers, forwarding inquiries to the insolvency administrator or partner companies within QBIG’s network. (I know it's inappropriate to write about it in such a situation, but it's the first time I've heard of this company; shame on me.)
Nanoe has acquired the Upryze-Shock ceramic powder line from Saint-Gobain ZirPro, including patents, trademarks, and customer access. Upryze-Shock, known for its high fracture toughness and shock resistance, is now part of Nanoe’s portfolio, expanding its offerings in advanced ceramic materials for industrial and medical use.
I was hoping to share “breaking news” today about the situation at Nano Dimension and Desktop Metal, but it seems the 2024 results will only be announced during the conference call scheduled to start at 4:30 PM GMT-4. That's already quite late in my time zone... Anyway, if you are interested, here’s the link.