**Japan’s NTT DATA XAM Technologies: Pioneers of Innovation in Additive Manufacturing**
In Japan, where speed and innovation go hand in hand, there is one company that stands out as a true leader in the field of additive manufacturing (AM). NTT DATA XAM Technologies (XAM) has been at the forefront of 3D printing in Japan for over four decades. Their relentless drive for technological advancement has shaped the future of AM across multiple industries in the country.
The history of NTT DATA XAM Technologies can be traced back to 1977 with the establishment of Hitachi Zosen Information Systems Co., Ltd. (HZS). HZS was a visionary enterprise that recognized the transformative power of digital design and manufacturing, becoming the first company to sell CAD/CAM systems in Japan.
In 1993, HZS formed an exclusive agreement with EOS GmbH, a global leader in industrial AM. This partnership was solidified with the opening of the Tokyo Technical Center in 1997, which became a hub for customer support and technical advancements. State-of-the-art EOSINT machines like the M250, S700, and P350 were introduced, further cementing HZS’s position as a pioneer in the field.
In 2006, NTT Data Corporation acquired the management rights of HZS, leading to the renaming of the company as NTT Data Engineering Systems Corporation (NDES). This acquisition marked a new chapter in the company’s journey.
To deepen their understanding of metal AM and address the challenges of adopting new technologies in the Japanese market, NDES opened the RP Technical Center in Osaka in 2009. The company also launched “AMbition,” a service focused on developing processes, materials, and transferring know-how.
In 2011, the Tokyo Technical Center merged with the RP Technical Center in Osaka. Two years later, the company expanded its research and development capabilities with the opening of the AM Design Lab in Mino City, Osaka.
From 2017 to 2021, NTT DATA XAM Technologies made significant technological advancements and formed valuable partnerships. They successfully developed a process for building copper alloys and established strategic alliances with GPAINNOVA, nTop, Alloyed, and CADS Additive. These partnerships allowed them to offer a complete range of services, from design to post-production.
In 2020, NDES’s AM business was spun off to form NTT DATA XAM Technologies Corporation. The new entity focused on integrating AI/IT into all processes of AM technology. To further expand their research and development efforts, the company opened a Digital Manufacturing Center in Osaka in 2022.
At the heart of XAM’s offerings is AMbition, which covers everything from design to production. With a dedicated team specialized in AM, AMbition provides services such as Co-Design, Material and Process Design, Prototyping and validation, and Serial Production. The service is supported by nearly 20 EOS metal 3D printers and specialized inspection equipment, ensuring quality and reliability.
As a critical distributor of EOS in Japan, XAM also offers sales and maintenance services for EOS AM machines. This partnership has been instrumental in providing a reliable and advanced machinery solution to their customers.
Another important offering from XAM is nTop, a next-generation engineering design software that adds agility and innovation to the AM design process. Its unique implicit modeling engine allows engineers to create unbreakable geometries, enabling instant adjustments and iterations on designs.
XAM has also partnered with GPAINNOVA to bring DLyte, a revolutionary metal polishing system, to the Japanese market. This dry electropolishing technology sets a new industry standard with its ability to handle complex geometries.
CADS Additive, known for its AM-Studio software solutions, has also joined forces with XAM. AM-Studio is a high-end AM solution that guides users through the entire AM process chain, including post-processing. Its advanced algorithms and automatisms streamline component analysis and support geometry creation during slicing and hatching.
XAM’s partnership with Alloyed aims to overcome material limitations in the AM industry. Alloyed’s unique ABD® alloy design and development platform allows physics-based simulation of millions of alloy variations, opening doors to new possibilities in material design.
NTT DATA XAM Technologies has been at the forefront of additive manufacturing in Japan, driving technological advancements and forming strategic partnerships. With their diverse product and service offerings, they continue to shape the future of 3D printing across multiple industries. Their ambitious vision and commitment to innovation make them a beacon of excellence in the fast-paced world of AM.
Unlocking the Potential of Additive Manufacturing in Japan
The landscape of manufacturing in Japan is undergoing a significant transformation, thanks to the advancement of additive manufacturing (AM) technology. One company at the forefront of this revolution is NTT Data XAM Technologies, which operates the Digital Manufacturing Center (DMC) in Osaka.
The DMC is not just a facility filled with industrial 3D printers; it is a hub that brings together various digital technologies to offer clients an end-to-end AM engineering chain. This includes design, research, manufacturing, and quality assurance support. One of the standout features of the DMC is its stringent quality assurance process, which is crucial in the quality-sensitive Japanese AM market.
To ensure the highest quality and stability of parts, XAM has integrated various digital technologies into their manufacturing process. They have implemented a proprietary manufacturing execution system (MES), which ensures traceability and quality control at every stage. This system aligns with aerospace industry standards, making it suitable for high-stakes projects.
In addition to the MES, the DMC employs rigorous in-process monitoring techniques. Sensors and cameras strategically positioned throughout the printing process enable real-time monitoring and immediate adjustments to ensure the final product meets specifications. This commitment to quality and reliability makes XAM a trusted partner in the Japanese market.
Not only is the DMC a manufacturing center, but it is also an innovation hub where research and development are actively encouraged. XAM has participated in significant projects, including the development of components for Japan’s H3 rocket. This collaboration with the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) showcases XAM’s impact on various industries.
The H3 rocket, a next-generation core rocket, incorporates extensive 3D printing technology developed in collaboration with XAM. The rocket’s new LE-9 engine, simpler yet more powerful than its predecessor, utilizes 3D-printed components. The use of AM technology offers flexibility and economic advantages by enabling rapid prototyping and cost reductions through the printing of complex components in a single operation.
XAM’s impact extends beyond aerospace. They have also made significant contributions to the automotive industry in Japan. Partnerships with leading automotive manufacturers such as Toyota, Honda, and Shibata Automobile have allowed XAM to provide 3D printing solutions for prototyping, tooling, and small-scale production.
Shibata Automobile’s drift racing team is a prime example of how XAM’s AM technology has revolutionized specialized automotive sectors. By leveraging AM technology, the team has created custom parts that have significantly improved performance. The increased horsepower and extreme steering angles achieved through innovation have enabled the team to remain competitive in Japan’s top drift racing competition.
Another promising application for AM adoption in Japan is die-casting. Toyota Industries Corporation has integrated conformal cooling channels into their molds, resulting in reduced cycle time and extended mold lifespan. They plan to expand the application of AM technology to about 20% of die-cast parts produced in their Obu plant, with the potential to expand overseas if new powder materials for die-cast molds prove successful.
The impact of XAM Technologies in the healthcare sector should not be overlooked. Through their advancements in AM technology, they have made significant strides towards transforming healthcare. With AM technology, the production of custom medical devices and implants is becoming more accessible and cost-effective.
The Digital Manufacturing Center in Osaka serves as a testament to XAM’s commitment to driving innovation in various industries. With their comprehensive solutions and commitment to quality, XAM has become a go-to partner for organizations looking to leverage AM in their operations.
As additive manufacturing continues to evolve, XAM Technologies is poised to shape the future of manufacturing in Japan and beyond. Their collaborative efforts, stringent quality assurance, and innovative applications across industries demonstrate the vast potential of AM technology. With XAM leading the way, the possibilities for additive manufacturing are truly limitless.
A groundbreaking collaboration between XAM Technologies and Kurashige Dental Technology Co., Ltd. revolutionizes the dental prosthetics market in Japan. Traditionally, denture manufacturing involved manual casting and polishing, making it a labor-intensive process with limited repeatability and potential for errors. This often led to the need for remanufacturing.
However, XAM Technologies introduces mechanization and digitalization into the dental prosthetics manufacturing process, resulting in improved repeatability and minimized defects. They achieve this through the use of the EOS M100 and GPAINNOVA’s DLyte dry electrolytic polishing machines. These technological advancements have a significant impact on the environmental aspects as well.
The traditional method of denture manufacturing generated approximately 500g of gypsum waste per denture. By utilizing the EOS M100, XAM Technologies can produce up to six dentures simultaneously, reducing gypsum waste by a remarkable three kilograms per batch. Moreover, the new process also reduces silicon waste and eliminates exhaust gas emissions during casting.
In recent years, Kurashige Dental Technology has adopted GPAINNOVA’s DLyte dry electrolytic polishing machines (2019) and the EOS M100 (2022). With plans to incorporate another EOS M100 into their operations by the end of 2023, the company continues to push the boundaries of dental prosthetics manufacturing.
The impact of XAM Technologies’ innovations extends beyond the dental industry. As the field of 3D printing strives for mainstream acceptance, their insights and technological advancements pave the way for the future of additive manufacturing. By prioritizing quality and process efficiency, XAM Technologies has the potential to redefine global standards in the industry.
One notable partnership that XAM Technologies has forged is with Alloyed. This strategic alliance aims to explore the boundaries of material limitations and expedite development cycles, sparking intriguing discussions about the future possibilities of additive manufacturing applications.
While XAM Technologies is already a prominent player in the Japanese market, their partnerships with international companies hint at their ambition for global expansion. Their willingness to collaborate and expand their reach suggests that we may witness XAM Technologies making significant strides in the international additive manufacturing market in the years to come.
To stay updated on the latest news and developments in the 3D printing industry, as well as receive valuable information and offers from third-party vendors, make sure to follow XAM Technologies closely.
“Why did the 3D printer go to therapy? Because it had too many layers of unresolved issues!”
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