Nikon makes further investments in Additive Manufacturing with Hybrid Manufacturing Technologies and Optisys
September 14, 2022
Nikon Corporation, Tokyo, Japan, has made further moves into the Additive Manufacturing industry, with investments in Hybrid Manufacturing Technologies Global, Inc. (HMT), Texas, USA, and Optisys, Inc., Utah, USA.
Hybrid Manufacturing Technologies Global
HMT has created an approach that enables users to integrate Additive Manufacturing tools onto a variety of platforms, enabling complementary technologies in a single setup. Utilising its patented AMBIT deposition heads, users can switch from cutting to adding metal via a tool change. Nikon’s investment in HMT is expected to enable the two companies to leverage their combined experience to further expand the hybrid manufacturing landscape.
“This investment in HMT is the latest component of our Next Generation Project program to further industrialisation of digital manufacturing,” stated Yuichi Shibazaki, Nikon Corporate vice president and General Manager of the Next Generation Project Division. “As an industry leader with demonstrated collaborative capabilities, HMT and its AMBIT portfolio are well-matched with Nikon technologies. We look forward to working with them as part of our commitment to creating value and advancing society through novel industries like hybrid manufacturing.”
Dr Jason B Jones, HMT co-founder and CEO, said, “We are honoured to receive investment from such a longstanding technology leader as Nikon. Together, we will more fully deliver on the promise of additive and digital manufacturing. We expect the results of this technology will touch the lives of virtually all people on earth in the coming decades.”
Peter Coates, HMT co-founder and CTO, added, “Hybrid is all about synergy. For the better part of ten years in this industry we have taken pride in the strategic nature of our collaborations and our partnership with Nikon takes this to a whole new level by adding value to advanced manufacture.”
Optisys
Optisys is a manufacturer of metal additively manufactured antennas for commercial and government applications. The company utilises integrated design, manufacturing and test processes to deliver cost-effective, bespoke solutions within a shorter development time.
The investment with Optisys is anticipated to enable Nikon and Optisys to boost the utilisation of metal Additive Manufacturing for applications, including high-performance antennas and other RF products.
“Nikon’s investment and expertise in Additive Manufacturing and advanced manufacturing techniques gives Optisys access to an ecosystem where we will be able to produce high-performance printed antennas in commercial volumes,” stated Janos Opra, Chief Executive Officer of Optisys. “This will enable Optisys to bring additive manufactured antennas into the mainstream for the most demanding market segments in both commercial and government applications.”
Shibazaki concluded, “This investment in Optisys is another central element of our Next Generation Project program to propel industrialisation of digital manufacturing. Optisys’ industry leadership and precision design and manufacturing capabilities are well-aligned with Nikon core technologies and our vision for the future. We look forward to partnering with their team to expand the Additive Manufacturing horizon.”
