Key Takeaways
- Nikon AM Synergy has received an Other Transition Agreement (OTA) contract from the U.S. Department of War's Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) for the Foundry for Operational Readiness and Global Effects (FORGE) program
- The contract aims to increase the use of metal parts on airborne systems and replace cast parts with high-volume, high-criticality, scaled-up manufacturing solutions
- Nikon AM Synergy will leverage its comprehensive design and materials qualification capabilities, combined with industry-leading laser powder-bed fusion AM systems and advanced inspection capabilities
- The partnership aims to expand production capacity and alleviate aeronautical component bottlenecks
Introduction to FORGE Program
The FORGE program is a initiative by the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) to accelerate the adoption and scaling of additive manufacturing (AM) in the defense industry. The program focuses on high-volume, high-criticality, scaled-up manufacturing solutions, with the goal of increasing the use of metal parts on airborne systems and replacing cast parts.
Nikon AM Synergy's Role
Nikon AM Synergy has been awarded the FORGE contract, which will be handled by its Long Beach headquarters. The company will leverage its extensive engineering, manufacturing, and qualification capabilities to support the DIU in expanding production capacity and alleviating aeronautical component bottlenecks.
Comparison of Additive Manufacturing Technologies
| Technology | Description | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Laser Powder-Bed Fusion | A type of additive manufacturing that uses a laser to fuse metal powder | High precision, high accuracy, and high speed |
| Directed Energy Deposition | A type of additive manufacturing that uses a focused beam of energy to melt and deposit metal | High deposition rates, low material waste, and high flexibility |
| Stereolithography | A type of additive manufacturing that uses a laser to cure liquid resin | High accuracy, high resolution, and low material waste |
Partnership and Benefits
The partnership between Nikon AM Synergy and the DIU aims to accelerate the adoption and scaling of AM in the defense industry. According to Dr. Behrang Poorganji, Nikon AM Vice President of Technology, "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 AM systems and advanced Nikon inspection capabilities."
Conclusion
The contract awarded to Nikon AM Synergy is a significant step towards accelerating the adoption and scaling of additive manufacturing in the defense industry. With its comprehensive design and materials qualification capabilities, combined with industry-leading laser powder-bed fusion AM systems and advanced inspection capabilities, Nikon AM Synergy is well-positioned to support the DIU in expanding production capacity and alleviating aeronautical component bottlenecks.
Bottom Line
The partnership between Nikon AM Synergy and the DIU is a strategic move to accelerate the adoption and scaling of additive manufacturing in the defense industry. With a focus on high-volume, high-criticality, scaled-up manufacturing solutions, the FORGE program aims to increase the use of metal parts on airborne systems and replace cast parts, ultimately strengthening warfighter readiness. As the US government continues to invest in additive manufacturing, companies like Nikon AM Synergy are poised to play a critical role in shaping the future of the industry.