Isotropic superfinishing technology provider REM Surface Engineering has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with German manufacturer Nikon Advanced Manufacturing (Nikon AM) Inc. and aluminium specialist Constellium to jointly develop advanced surface finishing processes for Constellium’s Aheadd CP1 aluminum alloy, designed for laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) additive manufacturing.
The collaboration will focus on refining REM’s chemical polishing and chemical-mechanical polishing techniques for PBF-LB components made from Aheadd CP1. The goal is to enhance the production chain, enabling faster, more cost-effective adoption for high-performance applications, including aerospace structures, RF waveguides, and heat exchangers.
“At Nikon AM, we’re excited to formalize this collaboration… we aim to unlock its full application envelope, particularly in thermal management and structural components,” said Dr. Behrang Poorganji, VP Technology at Nikon Advanced Manufacturing Inc.
Aheadd CP1: Applications and Potential
Aheadd CP1 has drawn attention across aerospace, defense, motorsport, semiconductor, and other industries due to its strong material properties, ease of printing, and single-step heat treatment. Nikon AM has been working to support the alloy’s industrial adoption to meet growing customer demand.
While many applications perform adequately with the as-printed surface, parts that require higher fatigue life, improved fluid cleanliness, optimized RF performance, or lower pressure drop benefit from advanced finishing. Leveraging its expertise in tailored surface finishing for metal AM, REM is collaborating with Nikon AM and Constellium to develop optimized workflows for these demanding applications.
“Aheadd CP1 continues to demonstrate unique potential… We look forward to working with Nikon and REM as we collectively evaluate these promising process innovations,” said Sylvain Henry, Vice President of Research & Development at Constellium.
Recent MoUs in Additive Manufacturing
In Australia, metal additive manufacturing company Aurora Labs Limited has signed a MoU with sovereign defence manufacturer Ares Armaments Australia Pty to develop advanced design and rapid production techniques for small-arms ammunition and components using exotic metals. The collaboration will explore how Aurora Labs’ RMP1 metal AM process and Ares’ expertise can produce lighter, stronger, and more consistent parts. Initial efforts focus on small components to improve performance, cost-efficiency, and regulatory compliance, with prototyping, production, and testing expected in Q1 CY26 at Ares’ South Australian facilities.
Elsewhere, ASC, Australia’s sovereign submarine partner, and shipbuilder Austal have also signed a MoU to advance additive manufacturing technologies and workforce skills. Announced at the 2025 Indo Pacific International Maritime Exposition in Sydney, the collaboration aims to strengthen Australia’s domestic AM supply chain, supporting production and maintenance for Collins Class and Virginia Class submarines, while providing training programs to upskill the workforce in advanced manufacturing.
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Featured image shows Representatives of REM Surface Engineering, Nikon Advanced Manufacturing and Constellium. Photo via Nikon.
