FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Frankfurt, DE – REM Surface Engineering proudly announces that it has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with Nikon Advanced Manufacturing (Nikon AM) Inc. and Constellium to develop optimized surface finishing processes for Constellium’s Aheadd®CP1 aluminum powder for Additive Manufacturing by laser powder bed fusion.
Constellium’s Aheadd® CP1 has garnered substantial interest from laser powder bed fusion technology users in the aerospace, defense, motor sport, semiconductor, and other industries due to its advantageous material properties, high level of printability, and simple, single-step heat treatment. As a leader in the additive manufacturing (AM) industry, Nikon AM recognized the potential of this novel aluminum alloy and has pursued its industrialization to meet the needs of its growing customer base.
For many applications, the as-printed surface of Aheadd® CP1 already delivers performance that meets customer expectations. For applications demanding the highest levels of fatigue life, fluid cleanliness, RF performance, and pressure drop reduction, advanced surface finishing unlocks even greater potential. Much like Nikon AM, REM recognized the potential of Aheadd® CP1 to impact and expand the AM marketplace. As a leader in the development and commercialization of tailored surface finishing solutions for metal AM applications, REM has partnered with Nikon AM and Constellium to develop optimized surface finishing processes for Aheadd® CP1.
In this effort, REM, Constellium, and Nikon AM will collaborate to develop optimized surface finishing processes (REM’s Chemical Polishing and Chemical-Mechanical Polishing processes) for PBF-LB with Aheadd® CP1. This collaboration is expected to advance the manufacturing process chain for Aheadd® CP1 to provide faster, more cost-effective implementation for applications such as aerospace structural components, RF waveguides, and heat exchangers.
“REM is honored to partner with Nikon and Constellium to help actualize the immense potential of Aheadd® CP1. Thanks to our extensive experience within the additive manufacturing industry, REM is fortunate to have strong relationships with these global industry leaders, and we are excited about the potential that this program will bring to the AM marketplace as a whole. Given the global nature of this partnership and the derivative industry benefits, Formnext is the perfect place to announce this effort to the world,” said Justin Michaud, CEO of REM Surface Engineering.
“At Nikon AM, we’re excited to formalize this collaboration with Constellium and REM. Aheadd® CP1 is a highly capable aluminum alloy offering high conductivity and solid processability and by pairing REM’s advanced surface finishing technologies with our large-format, production-ready L-PBF platforms, we aim to unlock its full application envelope, particularly in thermal management and structural components. Through this collaboration, we expect to accelerate the path toward fully optimized, production-ready solutions for defense and aerospace,” said Dr. Behrang Poorganji, VP Technology, Nikon Advanced Manufacturing Inc.
“Aheadd® CP1 continues to demonstrate unique potential for next-generation structural and thermal components across multiple industries. Through this early-stage collaboration, we aim to explore advanced surface finishing pathways that could further extend the alloy’s capabilities for high-performance applications. We look forward to working with Nikon and REM as we collectively evaluate these promising process innovations,” commented Sylvain Henry, Vice President, Research & Development, Constellium
About Nikon Advanced Manufacturing, Inc.
Founded in April 2023, Nikon Advanced Manufacturing Inc. (Nikon AM) in California, USA, is the global headquarters of Nikon’s Advanced Manufacturing Business Unit. Nikon AM pioneers digital manufacturing solutions for the aerospace and defense, automotive, aviation, energy sectors and beyond, by integrating human creativity with machine precision in a globally connected society to transform the future of manufacturing.
Leveraging more than a century of excellence in Nikon’s applied optics and precision technologies alongside Nikon’s global footprint, relentless commitment, and proven ability to scale, Nikon AM is synonymous with trust and innovation. Nikon AM will support its customers and partners long-term with cutting-edge, reliable solutions in additive manufacturing, precision subtractive processing, and other game-changing material processing technologies.
About Constellium
Constellium (NYSE: CSTM) is a global sector leader that develops innovative, value-added aluminum products for a broad scope of markets and applications, including aerospace, packaging and automotive. Constellium generated $7.3 billion of revenue in 2024. www.constellium.com
About REM Surface Engineering
REM Surface Engineering, the inventor of the ISF® Process, Rapid ISF® Process, Extreme ISF® Process, and the REM® Process, is a global leader in surface engineering solutions. REM’s isotropic superfinishing technologies provide value-added, performance-enhancing improvements to conventional machining operations such as grinding and lapping.
Founded in 1965 in Southington, Connecticut, by Robert Michaud, REM Surface Engineering is a family-owned company that has proudly served its partners and customers for over 60 years. The company operates four locations in Brenham, TX; Southington, CT; Merrillville, IN; and Willich, Germany, delivering products and services to customers worldwide.