The U.S. Department of War (DoW) Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) is aiming to tackle production bottlenecks for its aeronautical systems using Nikon Advanced Manufacturing's metal additive manufacturing (AM) technology.
The company's Nikon AM Synergy arm, which provides engineering and manufacturing services from its technology centre in Long Beach, California, has signed an Other Transition Agreement (OTA) contract with the DIU through the Foundry for Operational Readiness and Global Effects (FORGE) program. The contract will focus on supporting the DIU to boost its manufacturing capacity for high-performance aeronautical systems by replacing traditionally cast parts with metal 3D printed components.
Derek McBride, DIU Program Manager said, “The DIU is excited to partner with Nikon AM and leverage their extensive engineering, manufacturing and qualification capabilities as we work to expand production capacity and alleviate aeronautical component bottlenecks.”
The work will be carried out at Nikon AM's facility in Long Beach, which combines Nikon AM's laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) technology and advanced inspection capabilities.
Dr. Behrang Poorganji, Nikon AM Vice President of Technology said, “As we continue to execute our holistic approach to deliver vital manufacturing capabilities to the United States and allied partners, we are proud to support the DIU in accelerating adoption and scaling of AM to strengthen warfighter readiness.”
Laura Griffiths
In a recent conversation with TCT, Nikon AM CEO Hamid Zarringhalam emphasised the value of the company's metal AM technologies - and AM in general - to the defence sector. Zarringhalam said, "For sustainment of military, there is no alternative. You're going to have to qualify additive because there's just no way for the conventional supply chain to keep up with the demand." In 2024, the company brought on retired U.S. Navy Admiral Mike Mullen as a strategic advisor to help shape its play in the sector, while several aerospace and defence customers, most recently HII’s Newport News Shipbuilding division and Hypermetal, have adopted its flagship multi-laser NXG 600 systems - in some cases, purchasing multiple.
Back in December, Velo3D entered into an similar OTA agreement with the DIU's FORGE program, worth a total value of $32.6 million, in support of a major weapon system program of record.
Laura Griffiths
