Nikon Buys SLM Solutions
September 6, 2022Comments
Nikon Corp has announced plans to take over SLM Solutions Group for 622 million euros ($622 million). Nikon said it already has obtained binding commitments from SLM's key shareholders Elliott Advisors and ENA Investment Capital, and SLM's founder Hans J. Ihde to support the deal, which is expected to close in the first half of 2023.
In a briefing session held earlier in September, Nikon officials said:
“Metal 3D printers use lasers to melt and form metal powder. This is an area where Nikon can take advantage of the optical technology it has cultivated for more than 100 years. Nikon can also leverage its precision positioning technology developed in various business lines, including its semiconductor lithography business, as well as its image processing technology, to assist with monitoring during laser processing.
“Nikon currently develops and sells optical processing machines that use the DED (directed energy deposition) method of metal 3D printing, in which metal powder is injected and formed by applying a laser beam. Through this acquisition, we will gain access to the mainstream L-PBF (laser powder bed fusion) method. We believe this acquisition is an important step in realizing Nikon's vision of bringing innovation to the world of manufacturing.”
See also: Nikon Metrology, Inc., SLM Solutions NA, Inc.
Technologies: Additive Manufacturing
