Nikon redefines 3D printing attracts US defence and aerospace market

Japanese advanced optoelectronics supplier Nikon Corp. expects increased profits and a larger consumer base as its 3D metal printers gain traction with the US defence and aerospace industry.

Additionally, Muneaki Tokunari, Nikon’s chief financial officer, highlighted the company’s priority of expanding its consumer base as it continuously works on digital manufacturing solutions. It confirmed the growing interest in its products in the US defence and aerospace market.

Moreover, Nikon’s advanced 3D metal printers and its agreement with NASA to develop a handheld camera for use on the moon’s south pole underscore the company’s growing versatility and technological prowess. The NASA deal also highlights the wide appreciation for Nikon’s digital solutions.

London-based activist Silchester International Investors also acquired a 5% stake in the company and cited possible advocacy for dividend hikes and share repurchases.

Nikon’s efforts to ramp up digital manufacturing

Nikon’s strategic move to enhance its metal 3D printing offerings began with acquiring a majority stake in Morf3D, a metal 3D printing service bureau focused on the aerospace and defence sectors, in 2021. The firm then went on to acquire it entirely in July 2023.

In January 2023, Nikon publicly offered to acquire SLM Solutions, a German 3D-printing specialist. By April of that year, Nikon had integrated SLM Solutions into its new Advanced Manufacturing Business Unit.

Nokia’s Morf3D and SLM Solutions acquisitions were part of its strategic realignment, targeting a bolstering digital manufacturing segment. Now, Nikon has relaunched Morf3D as Nikon AM Synergy Inc., which will collaborate with Nikon SLM Solutions to promote the widespread implementation of 3D printing technology.

By integrating SLM Solutions’ laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) 3D printers and Nikon’s proprietary directed energy deposition (DED) technology, Nikon AM Synergy Inc. will offer a comprehensive additive manufacturing solution complemented by advanced metallurgy and metrology expertise.

Nikon advanced manufacturing CEO Hamid Zarringhalam said, “Our strategic realignment has sharpened our focus and optimised our global resources to drive the Nikon Vision 2030 plan forward.”

Nikon AM Synergy INC. is now equipped to provide specialized services within a highly secure facility in the United States, fulfilling the strict security requirements of defence and aerospace industry clients.

Nikon adds top talents

Aside from acquiring and reorganizing its subsidiaries, Nikon has also invested in hiring a newly revitalized business development team with in-depth industry expertise and understanding.

In June 2024, Nikon Advanced Manufacturing Inc. appointed Mike Mullen—a former US chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff—as a strategic adviser, underscoring the corporation’s focus on advancing digital manufacturing by including top talent.