Atomic Layer of the Day:
On Tuesday, January 14, 2025, the Nikon Advanced Manufacturing Technology Center was officially inaugurated in Long Beach, California. The 90,000-square-foot facility was designed to combine research and development, manufacturing, and the implementation of advanced 3D printing technologies across industries such as aerospace, defense, and space exploration.
The event was attended by representatives from local authorities, including Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson, Consul-General of Japan Kenko Sone, as well as members of the U.S. military and administration.
During the opening, a wide range of the center’s technological capabilities was showcased, focusing primarily on 3D printing systems based on laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) technology and innovative R&D solutions. Representatives from Nikon SLM Solutions and Nikon AM Synergy Inc. also outlined the company’s strategy for advancing 3D printing technologies.
Here are some photos from this monumental event.
But what I really wanted to talk about is something else entirely: the fascinating, unshaken admiration and commitment of Nikon to Additive Manufacturing in an era when most major global corporations have already abandoned it.
The list of those who have exited the 3D printing space is quite extensive: Canon (2017), Ricoh (around 2018 in 3D printer sales), Covestro (2022), Mitsubishi Chemical (2023), Xerox (2023), Braskem (2024), BASF (2024), Microsoft (2024), and probably a few more I’ve forgotten to mention.
So, who’s left? HP and GE, although GE is undergoing a major restructuring (and there are swirling rumors about HP that I won’t repeat just yet). Then there are DMG Mori, Trumpf, and Mimaki, for whom AM is still more of a curiosity than a core focus. Evonik, perhaps. And Arburg—though it’s a big name in injection molding, it doesn’t quite belong in the same league as HP and GE when it comes to AM.
Compared to them, Nikon resembles a child who’s just found the golden ticket to the Wonka Chocolate Factory.
For the Japanese giant, AM is one of the pillars of its Nikon Vision 2030 strategy. Their approach is serious, systematic, and precise.
For context, Nikon’s AM journey began in 2021 with the acquisition of Morf3D, then the leading U.S. specialists in metal 3D printing. A year later, they announced the acquisition of SLM Solutions, a global leader in LPBF machine manufacturing.
The aforementioned investment in Long Beach is another step in solidifying Nikon’s position in the industry while further developing their business in this sector.
Now, the question that arises is:
“Does Nikon know something that all those companies exiting AM didn’t,
or
are they simply following the same path, only starting later and hasn't figured it out yet?"
They haven't realized that AM is historically not a good business for large companies.
Personally, I hope it’s the first scenario: that Nikon has analyzed its competitors’ missteps, drawn the right conclusions, crafted a solid plan, and is now executing it with surgical precision.
But if it’s the second, I can’t say I’d be shocked or disappointed. My shock and disappointment came in January 2018 when I first heard of Canon’s decision. After that, everyone else just followed suit…
Atomic Layer from the Past:
01-17-2017: Jonathan Jaglom stepped down as CEO of MakerBot and was replaced by Nadav Goshen.
News & Gossip:
Xact Metal reported its second-highest quarterly revenue in Q4 2024 and celebrated the installation of its 150th metal 3D printer. Many recent sales came from tooling and injection molding industries, with the 150th printer delivered to Zero Tolerance in Michigan. The company credited its industry focus and partnerships for the success.
Bambu Lab released a firmware update for its X1-series 3D printers, enhancing security by introducing authentication to prevent unauthorized access and remote hacks. Available from January 16 (beta) and January 23 (official), the update requires syncing firmware, Bambu Studio, and the app. Third-party software users must switch to "Bambu Connect."
Read my latest article on VoxelMatters! “To succeed in 3D printing long-term, you have to keep highlighting its mediocrity.” How 3D printing evangelists and the mainstream media have made telling the truth a thankless and frustrating job.