Eplus3D, a leading global provider of metal additive manufacturing (AM) solutions, has supported Azuma Kinzoku Sangyo Co., Ltd. in expanding its industrial metal additive manufacturing capability in Japan. This collaboration marks Azuma’s transition from single-laser AM operations to a more efficient and flexible multi-laser production model.
As part of this strategic upgrade, Azuma has installed two advanced Eplus3D metal PBF systems: the EP-M300 dual-laser system and the EP-M400 quad-laser system. Together, these platforms deliver greater production flexibility across a diverse range of part sizes, batch volumes, and application scenarios, supporting projects from rapid prototyping to volume production.
Figure 1 - Group photo of Azuma
Tailored AM Solutions for Real-World Production Demands
In practical customer projects, quality specifications, evaluation criteria, and acceptance standards often vary widely. For Azuma, achieving success in metal AM goes beyond machine operation. It requires the ability to fine-tune forming parameters, establish robust quality control methodologies, and ensure stable, repeatable production across multiple project cycles.
To address these needs, Eplus3D delivered a comprehensive metal PBF solution featuring two complementary systems. The EP-M300 dual-laser system offers versatile production capabilities for a broad range of components, while the EP-M400 quad-laser system delivers higher throughput and a larger build envelope for more demanding applications. This combination enables Azuma to align each customer project with the most suitable production strategy.
Beyond hardware installation, Eplus3D provided hands-on support throughout system introduction, on-site setup, and foundational operator training. As Azuma transitioned to active production, Eplus3D team continued to offer technical guidance, helping the customer refine processing conditions and further stabilize daily operations.
Figure 2 - Eplus3D metal PBF systems at Azuma's facility
From Single-Laser Constraints to Multi-Laser Productivity
The tangible benefits of Eplus3D’s solution became evident as Azuma deployed the systems across a variety of projects, from prototype development to serial production. According to Azuma, print quality has remained consistently stable, and complex geometries, including parts with internal cooling channels, can be manufactured with high repeatability.
The move from single-laser equipment to Eplus3D’s multi-laser platforms has delivered a marked productivity boost. As Shinya Okuma of Azuma’s Additive Manufacturing team observed:
"We use the system for a wide range of projects, from prototyping to mass production. The printing quality is generally stable, and the system can produce complex shapes and products with internal channels with high repeatability. Compared with our previous single-laser printer, printing time has been significantly reduced, and production efficiency has greatly improved, especially for large parts and multi-cavity components."
With expanded build capacity, Azuma can now respond more nimbly to customer demands. Parts that are challenging to produce via conventional methods or inefficient on smaller or single-laser systems can now be manufactured or evaluated far more effectively.
Figure 3 - Batch production output from Eplus3D systems
Strengthening Production Agility and Application Breadth
For Azuma, the partnership with Eplus3D extends well beyond equipment procurement. With both the EP-M300 dual-laser and EP-M400 quad-laser systems now operational, Azuma is better positioned to serve a wider spectrum of customer needs, spanning prototype parts, intricate geometries, large-scale components, and multi-cavity production runs.
This case also underscores Eplus3D’s broader role as more than an equipment supplier. By integrating industrial metal PBF systems, localized support, and ongoing technical collaboration, Eplus3D helps customers transform metal AM from machine capability into tangible production value.
Looking ahead, Eplus3D remains committed to supporting Azuma in achieving long-term production stability, advancing application development, and strengthening localized technical services tailored to the Japanese market.
About Eplus3D
Eplus3D pioneered China's first powder bed fusion machine in 1993 and has since focused on the research and development of industrial-grade additive manufacturing systems and solutions. With its metal powder bed fusion technology, the company provides application solutions across industries including aerospace, energy, automotive, mold and tooling, electronic goods, and precision manufacturing.
Click here to know more: https://www.eplus3d.com/
About Azuma
Azuma Kinzoku Sangyo Co., Ltd., founded in 1942, is a Japan-based manufacturing company with deep expertise in metal processing and industrial production. The company provides solutions spanning production equipment, testing systems, jigs, transfer systems, and process improvement facilities. Azuma also offers integrated manufacturing support, covering concept development and design to parts production, assembly, and final adjustment.
Click here to know more: https://azuma-ks.co.jp/
