Nikon's metal 3D printing tech is generating quite the buzz among US Defense and Aerospace sectors

Nikon Corporation is drawing significant interest from the US defence and aerospace sectors for its metal 3D printing technology, as stated by the company’s president. The Japanese precision equipment maker, renowned for its cameras and chipmaking lithography equipment, is actively expanding its customer base into digital manufacturing.

Muneaki Tokunari, who also serves as Nikon’s chief financial officer, highlighted this strategic move during a recent interview on Bloomberg TV, emphasizing the strong interest from US defence and aerospace companies.

This interest aligns with a broader trend of Japanese companies venturing into military-use products, coinciding with Japan’s increased defence spending. Nikon established its presence in California last year after acquiring SLM Solutions Group, a German specialist in 3D printing.

This acquisition marks a significant step in Nikon’s diversification into advanced manufacturing technologies. To bolster its strategic efforts in the US, Nikon Advanced Manufacturing Inc., a subsidiary, recently appointed Mike Mullen, a former US Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, as a strategic adviser.

In addition to its defence and aerospace ventures, Nikon has also partnered with NASA to develop a handheld camera intended for use on the moon’s south pole. This collaboration underscores Nikon’s commitment to leveraging its advanced imaging technology in critical and innovative applications.

The company’s strategic moves have also attracted attention from investors. Earlier this year, London-based activist investor Silchester International Investors acquired a 5 per cent stake in Nikon, signalling potential demands for dividend increases, share buybacks, or other capital policy changes. This development led to Nikon’s shares experiencing their most significant surge in over a decade.

Nikon’s journey in the lithography market has seen it cede the cutting-edge segment to the Netherlands’ ASML Holding NV.

However, both Nikon and Canon Inc. are benefiting from a surge in demand for legacy tools essential for producing simpler semiconductors, which are widely used in cars and household appliances. This demand underscores the ongoing relevance and importance of Nikon’s established technologies in current manufacturing needs.

Tokunari, reflecting on these developments, expressed a balanced view, urging patience from investors while pushing his colleagues to expedite product development. This strategic push aims to capitalize on the growing opportunities and solidify Nikon’s position in the expanding fields of digital manufacturing and defence technology.