Dr. Dieter Schwarze, the co-inventor of Selective Laser Melting technology and Chief Engineer of Nikon SLM Solutions, has retired.
Schwarze completes a more than 40-year career which was dedicated to developing and advancing metal additive manufacturing technology.
Nikon SLM Solutions, announcing the news on its LinkedIn page, said that Schwarze helped to 'transform what was once an emerging concept into a manufacturing reality.' He is said to have contributed to every generation of Nikon SLM technology and has more than 100 inventions and patents to his name. CEO Sam O'Leary has commented that "the entire AM industry simply would not be the same without him."
On Schwarze's last day at the company, he was given a guard of honour by Nikon SLM Solutions staff and awarded a commemorative 3D printed trophy, with O'Leary commenting that: "We as a company are stood here today because of Dieter's work as co-inventor of the SLM process some 30 years ago. Now, what is truly remarkable to me is not just the brilliance of that initial development but the passion, the drive, and the intensity to develop the technology to where it is today. And, as you all know, Dieter is a wonderfully humble man and he'll be the first to clarify that it is the work of many and not the work of one that delivers true progress. However, I can tell you with certainty that every team needs a solid rock as a foundation and consistent drive and intensity to achieve it. Dieter has been exactly that, developing the technology that brings us all to where we are today."
During his time in the industry, Schwarze's contributions have been recognised with numerous honours, including the SME Industry Achievement Award.
