Nikon Corporation has announced the acquisition of another metal 3D printing company – Hybrid Manufacturing Technologies Global, Inc. (HMT). Although details of the investment have not been released, the news comes just weeks after the Japanese optical technology manufacturer announced its intention to acquire SLM Solutions for EUR 622 million. In a press release, Nikon stated its intention to become a “world leader in metal 3D printing” with its Laser Focusing Powder Fusion (LPBF) and Targeted Energy Deposition (DED) technology.
Founded in 2012, HMT pioneered an advanced manufacturing approach that enables manufacturers to combine metal additive manufacturing and CNC machining processes on a single platform. HMT’s patented AMBIT setting heads allow you to add 3D printing functionality to machine tools with a simple tool change. The technology is compatible with a number of methods and materials, and can also be used to create custom solutions depending on the specific needs of the applications being produced.
While continuing to expand its metal 3D printing business, Nikon also invested in Optisys, Inc, a global supplier of metal design and production of metal antennas for commercial and government applications. The move is described as the next step in Nikon’s Next Generation Project program and is intended to enable companies to accelerate the use of 3D printing in the production of high-performance antennas and other similar products.
Source: www.nikon.com