日本光学和成像跨国Nikonhas accelerated its recent 3D printing expansion by investing in two more additive manufacturing companies.
紧跟着Nikon’s SLM Solutions takeover bid, it has now invested inOptisysandHybrid Manufacturing Technologies(HMT), developers of hybrid 3D printers and additive manufactured antennas respectively.
Yuichi Shibazaki, VP and GM of Nikon’s Next Generation Project Division, says that moving forwards, Nikon aims to harness synergies between its portfolio and those of its new 3D printing partners. In doing so, Shibazaki believes it could be possible to boost the application of both firms’ offerings, while working towards the goals of Nikon’s digital manufacturing-driven Vision 2030 program.
“As an industry leader with demonstrated collaborative capabilities, HMT and its AMBIT portfolio are well-matched with Nikon technologies,” explained Shibazaki. “We look forward to working with them as part of our commitment to creating value and advancing society through novel industries like hybrid manufacturing.”
“This investment in HMT is the latest component of our Next Generation Project program to further industrialization of digital manufacturing.”
Nikon’s Next Generation Project
尼康主要在光学技术市场上运作，其产品反映了这一点，涵盖了从数码相机和双筒望远镜到显微镜和测量仪器的所有内容。但是，该公司在3D打印中也有一段时间的股份，在2009年收购了光学仪器开发人员Metris。
This was followed by the establishment of a partnership with 3D scanning and modeling company3D工程解决方案in 2014, which spawned the creation of a新一代计量级工业CT扫描仪能够使用X射线穿透零件，并将扫描转换为3D型号和CAD文件。
Since then, Nikon’s 3D scanning systems have been used toqualify 3D printed hip implants for Orthic Balto, and in the development of物质水流3D打印软件。和the launch of its Next Generation Project Division in 2019, however, the firm changed course, deciding to target more high-growth businesses, and this ambition has increasingly seen it invest in 3D printing.
2021年4月，尼康购买了金属3D打印局MORF3D, and earlier this month it stepped this up further with its bid to take over SLM Solutions. Given that the latter’s systems are used by the likes ofRolls Royce,博世andCzinger Vehicles，开发人员3D打印的Czinger 21c HyperCar，尼康的举动是迈向行业的重要一步。
和GE的失败SLM解决方案收购竞标相比之下，尼康提议的6.22亿美元交易在2016年以7.45亿美元的价格估值，相比之下。
加速AM扩展？
Just a matter of weeks after announcing plans to buy SLM Solutions, Nikon has now stepped up its interest in 3D printing further, via investments in Optisys and Hybrid Manufacturing Technologies. The former is best-known as a specialist in developing metal 3D printed antenna parts for private and government applications.
In the past, Optisys has managed to将天线零件减少多达99％using a combination of 3D printing and simulation software. Utilizing anSLM Solutions系统，该公司还开发了3D printed Ka band-tracking antennafor a high-altitude UAV, featuring lightweight, topology-optimized geometries designed to help reduce the costs of launch providers.
Optisys has been able to operate in these areas thanks to its integrated design, manufacturing and test processes, which enable part iteration and consolidation. According to Shibazaki, the firm’s “manufacturing capabilities are well-aligned” with Nikon’s own, while Optisys CEO Janos Opra says fresh investment should help it address “the most demanding market segments.”
与此同时，混合制造技术专门通过其针对的能量沉积（DED）头将3D打印和铣削结合在一起。由于Printhead的集成设计，用户能够使用添加和减法技术制造零件，而无需更改机器设置。
On top of its established portfolio of AMBIT heads, toolheads, inspection heads and laser scanners, the firm continues to invest in R&D. In 2020, Hybrid Manufacturing Technologies unveiled‘AXIOM’ thermoplastic production, a method designed to find a ‘middle ground’ with both the benefits of 3D printing, and the high quality and throughput associated with injection molding.
Since then, the company has announced its participation in the FastWireAM program, through which it aims to develop anovel compact wire-feed 3D printing system。当该技术在2021年初透露时，致力于与之合作的混合动力制造技术TWIand时期电线to optimize its performance, and accelerate its uptake.
当涉及尼康的投资时，混合制造技术首席执行官杰森·琼斯（Jason B. Jones）表示，他的团队“很荣幸获得这么长的技术领导者的投资。他补充说：“一起，我们将更加充分地实现添加剂和数字制造的希望。我们希望这项技术的结果将在未来几十年中触及地球上几乎所有人的生活。”
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Featured image shows Hybrid Manufacturing Technologies’ AMBIT DED printhead. Image via Hybrid Manufacturing Technologies.
