Nikon AM Synergy Secures U.S. Department of War Contract to Modernize Aeronautical Supply Chain
As the U.S. military grapples with aging supply chains and prolonged lead times for critical aircraft, the Department of War is turning to advanced additive manufacturing to bridge the gap. On March 10, Nikon AM Synergy Inc. announced it had secured an Other Transition Agreement (OTA) contract with the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU). The move integrates Nikon’s engineering services into the Foundry for Operational Readiness and Global Effects (FORGE) program: a targeted effort to modernize the production of aeronautical components and eliminate the manufacturing bottlenecks that currently hinder readiness.
The purpose of the DIU is to connect U.S. Military members addressing national security and operational challenges to technology companies. Together, they aim to identify and prototype new solutions, bringing innovative technologies to warfighting applications. Through FORGE, the DoW wants to increase capacity for metal parts used in high-performance aeronautical systems, which have traditionally been manufactured using metal casting. FORGE solutions include advanced manufacturing methods that allow for higher production and satisfy key government survivability, reliability, and affordability metrics.
Examples of aerospace components printed with Nikon SLM solutions (Images Credit: Nikon SLM)
Why Nikon AM Synergy?
The FORGE program will be conducted at the state-of-the-art Nikon AM Technology Center in Long Beach, California. Using metal AM, they will address specific requirements in naval, defense, aviation, and space industries. “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,” Derek McBride, DIU Program Manager said.
Nikon AM Synergy Inc. is the engineering and manufacturing services unit of Nikon Advanced Manufacturing (Nikon AM). The company offers holistic solutions in additive manufacturing, R&D, and engineering. The company leverages Nikon SLM Solutions’ industry-leading laser powder bed fusion (L-PBF) technology and Nikon’s other internally developed solutions.
“Nikon AM is uniquely positioned to support the DIU through Nikon AM Synergy’s comprehensive design and materials qualification capabilities combined with our industry-leading, Nikon SLM Solutions’ laser powder-bed fusion (L-PBF) AM systems and advanced Nikon inspection capabilities, all operating together under stringent manufacturing requirements in our Long Beach facility,” 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.” Learn more about the contract here.
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*Cover Image: The Nikon AM Technology Center in Long Beach, California (left) and Department of War Logo (right)
