Nikon Corporation has announced an investment in Hybrid Manufacturing Technologies Global, Inc. (HMT), an industry leader in additive manufacturing. Particularly, HMT has successfully created an approach that enables users to integrate additive tools onto any platform. Most importantly, this technology allows users to take full advantage of the manufacturing process by unifying multiple complementary technologies in one set up.

Complementary Strengths

Parts manufacturers will often use additive manufacturing processing and machining in tandem, depending upon their specific production goals and tolerances. Hence, HMT enabled a game-changing leap forward by unlocking the freedoms of additive. Nonetheless, retaining the precision and surface finish capabilities of CNC, all in a single system. When using their patented AMBIT deposition heads only a simple tool change is necessary to switch from cutting to adding metal, giving users unprecedented flexibility.

HMT’s tool changeable heads do not limit itself to laser processes but are also compatible with numerous materials and a vast array of deployment methods. In addition, HMT can upgrade existing vertical platforms to enable both additive and subtractive machining capabilities in one system. At the same time, can create bespoke solutions with customized heads to meet the user’s objectives.

Meanwhile, Nikon manufactures some of the most precise equipment in the world. Particularly, its product applications include semiconductor manufacturing and mass production of panels for televisions and smart devices, to medical systems, automotive and satellites. Nikon established the Next Generation Project Division to accelerate the launch of new growth businesses. This includes advanced materials processing technologies, through synergies resulting from strategic investments and alliances with industry-leading companies worldwide.

This latest investment will enable HMT and Nikon to leverage their combined expertise to accelerate innovation and expand the hybrid manufacturing landscape.

Furthers Digital Manufacturing

Yuichi Shibazaki, Nikon Corporate Vice President and General Manager of the Next Generation Project Division said, “This investment in HMT is the latest component of our Next Generation Project program to further industrialization of digital manufacturing.”

In addition, Shibazaki said “As an industry leader with demonstrated collaborative capabilities, HMT and its AMBIT™ portfolio complement 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, “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.”

“Hybrid is all about synergy,” Peter Coates, HMT Co-founder and CTO added. “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.”