What Nikon Advanced Manufacturing does

Nikon Advanced Manufacturing is a business division of Nikon Corporation (株式会社ニコン, publicly listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange) that applies precision optics, laser, and measurement technologies originally cultivated through Nikon's semiconductor lithography equipment business to industrial manufacturing challenges. The division is organized into three solution domains: Material Processing — encompassing the Lasermeister series of laser processing machines (Lasermeister 1000S for sub-micron laser removal processing, Lasermeister 102A Pro for compact 5-axis DED metal 3D printing, and Lasermeister LM300A paired with the SB100 scanner for automated DED repair) and the Nikon SLM Solutions line of L-PBF metal 3D printers (SLM280 2.0, SLM280 PS, SLM500, NXG XII 600, NXG 600E); Vision Robotics — a robot vision system for bin-picking and conveyor tracking, the ultra-compact LuFact high-speed tracking camera, a high-precision localizer, and a movable 3D measurement system, all wired through the One Board cloud platform; and Riblet Processing — proprietary laser texturing that applies shark-skin-inspired micro-grooves to turbine, aerospace, and wind-energy surfaces to reduce friction. Core technology differentiators include ultra-short pulse (femtosecond-class) lasers for non-thermal precision work, on-machine 3D measurement with automatic feedback to processing conditions, 5-axis control for complex geometries, melt-pool and powder-supply feedback, and sub-micron-level geometric tolerance (0.1 μm).

The division's business model is predominantly direct enterprise sales of capital equipment priced by quotation, augmented by multi-year service contracts, optional add-on hardware (e.g., additional powder feeders, One Board cloud subscriptions with a free tier for basic remote monitoring), and commissioned contract processing services delivered through two Japan-based technology centers (Kumagaya and Gyoda) that also serve as demonstration, prototyping, and consulting facilities. Customer segments span precision manufacturing, aerospace & automotive, semiconductor & electronics, factory automation, and energy, with technical positioning aimed at manufacturers that require sub-micron accuracy, difficult-material processing (ceramics, diamond, cemented carbide), complex geometries, or labor-saving automation. Distribution has historically been Japan-centric via Nikon's corporate sales network, with growing international inquiries and overseas-compliance preparation (EU Machinery Directive, collaborative-robot safety standards) to support exports of the Lasermeister 1000S and adjacent products.

The division operates under Nikon's public-company governance and parent balance sheet, does not have separately disclosed financials, and shares engineering, manufacturing, and service infrastructure with Nikon's broader precision-instrument and semiconductor-related businesses.

Name

Nikon Advanced Manufacturing

Legal name

株式会社ニコン (Nikon Corporation)

Website

https://ngpd.nikon.com

Company type

Public

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Nikon Advanced Manufacturing is a division of Nikon Corporation that builds laser-based metal 3D printing systems, precision laser removal machines, robot vision systems, and riblet surface processing for precision manufacturers in aerospace, semiconductor, automotive, and energy sectors, leveraging optics and metrology heritage from semiconductor lithography.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Industrial Laser Processing and Metal Additive Manufacturing Equipment

NAICS

Machinery Manufacturing (333), Machine Tool Manufacturing (333517)

SIC

Special Industry Machinery (No Metalworking Machinery) (3550), Optical Instruments & Lenses (3827)

akta.pro primary industry

Large-Format & Industrial Production 3D Printers (High-Throughput Systems) (IMAAAAAK)

akta.pro secondary industries

Machine Vision & Optical Sensing (Cameras, 3D vision, LiDAR, illumination) (IMAGAFAB), Optics & Laser/Light Engine Components (Lenses, Galvos, Laser Modules, UV Engines) (IMAAAIAC), Electronics & Industrial Component 3D Printing Services (enclosures, fixtures, functional parts) (IMAAADAL)

Keywords

• Laser additive manufacturing
• Metal 3D printing
• Precision laser machining
• Robot vision systems
• Factory automation solutions

Headquarters

HQ city

Minato-ku, Tokyo

HQ country

Japan

HQ region

Asia

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Technology or R&D, Personnel, Supply Chain, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Metal 3D Printer Sales (Lasermeister Series): Sale of metal additive manufacturing equipment including Lasermeister 102A Pro (DED/LMD type), Lasermeister LM300A, Nikon SLM Solutions (L-PBF type), and laser removal processing machines (Lasermeister 1000S). These are capital equipment purchases with associated installation and training services.
2. Contract Processing Services: Commissioned processing services for customers who want to try metal additive manufacturing or require specific processing capabilities without purchasing equipment. Services include repair, laminated modeling, and functional coating.
3. Remote Monitoring Software (One Board): Cloud-based remote monitoring platform with free basic tier and optional paid cloud functionality for enhanced features, data management, and remote support services.
4. Vision Robotics Systems: Sale of robot vision systems, high-speed tracking cameras, high-precision localizers, and movable 3D measurement systems for factory automation applications.
5. Powder Feeder Options (Additional Powder Feeder): Optional equipment units for multi-material alloy development, sold as add-on units to Lasermeister systems.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Nikon Advanced Manufacturing designs, manufactures, and sells laser-based industrial processing equipment and metal additive manufacturing systems, including DED metal 3D printers (Lasermeister 102A Pro, LM300A), ultra-precision laser removal machines (Lasermeister 1000S), L-PBF metal 3D printers (Nikon SLM Solutions line including NXG XII 600 and NXG 600E), and robot vision systems for factory automation. It also offers commissioned contract processing services and a cloud-based remote monitoring platform (One Board). The portfolio targets manufacturers requiring sub-micron precision, complex geometries, and difficult-to-machine materials in aerospace, semiconductor, automotive, mold/die, and energy sectors.

Product overview

Nikon Advanced Manufacturing (株式会社ニコン デジタルマニュファクチャリング事業) is a multi-product portfolio organized into three solution domains: Material Processing (Lasermeister series laser processing and Nikon SLM Solutions L-PBF), Vision Robotics (robot vision, high-speed tracking, and metrology systems), and Riblet Processing (laser-based surface micro-groove machining). The Lasermeister line comprises three distinct product families: the Lasermeister 1000S for ultra-precision laser removal machining (sub-micron-level via on-machine measurement feedback); the Lasermeister LM300A + SB100 for DED metal 3D printing and automated repair; and the Lasermeister 102A Pro for compact DED additive manufacturing with 5-axis capability. Nikon SLM Solutions provides L-PBF metal 3D printers ranging from the SLM280 entry model to the large-format NXG XII 600 / NXG 600E. Vision Robotics centers on the Robot Vision System (hand-eye camera for bin-picking and conveyor tracking) augmented by the High-Speed Tracking Camera, High-Precision Localizer, and Movable 3D Measurement System, all connected through the One Board cloud platform. The portfolio is supported by two technology centers in Japan (Kumagaya and Gyoda) offering demonstration, prototyping, and consulting services.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Lasermeister: Laser processing machines for metal additive manufacturing, marking, joining, and precision removal加工 — Nikon's proprietary laser processing systems built on semiconductor lithography technologies.
• Nikon SLM Solutions
• Vision Robotics (ビジョンロボティクス)
• One Board
• リレット加工 (Riblet Processing)

Products and services

• Lasermeister 1000S

Quantifiable outcome

• Traditional welding process reduced by up to 65% for turbine blade repair
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers1 record

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration5 records

AI capability6 records

Feature9 records

Partnerships

One partnership is on record.

• bionic surface technologies GmbHcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for riblet processing technology development. bionic surface technologies brings specialized expertise in riblet design and analysis, while Nikon contributes laser processing technology. The collaboration enables optimal riblet shape design for specific applications and precise laser processing implementation.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• KEYENCE Corporation: Global leader in machine vision systems, industrial sensors, and automation equipment. Directly comparable to Nikon's Vision Robotics product line (Robot Vision System, high-speed cameras, localizers).
• Renishaw plc: UK-based manufacturer of metal AM systems (RenAM series), in-process metrology, and precision positioning products. Comparable to Nikon across both AM equipment and high-precision measurement/localizer products.
• Cognex Corporation: Specialized machine vision and industrial barcode reading systems provider. Competes directly with Nikon's vision tracking, bin-picking, and inspection solutions for factory automation.
• EOS GmbH: Leading European manufacturer of industrial metal and polymer additive manufacturing systems (DED and L-PBF). Direct competitor to Nikon's Lasermeister and Nikon SLM Solutions lines for aerospace, automotive, and industrial metal AM applications.
• TRUMPF: German manufacturer of laser machines, TruLaser systems, and metal AM (TruPrint) equipment. Directly comparable to Nikon's Lasermeister laser processing and L-PBF metal AM offerings.
• FARO Technologies: Manufacturer of 3D measurement, imaging, and realization systems for industrial metrology. Comparable to Nikon's Movable 3D Measurement System and High-Precision Localizer offerings.

Broad incumbents

• GE Additive: GE's additive manufacturing business covering metal AM machines, materials, and services (Concept Laser, Arcam). Competes with Nikon SLM Solutions in aerospace and industrial metal AM.
• Stratasys Ltd. Diversified AM company serving industrial and healthcare segments. Competes in industrial AM with broader product breadth than Nikon's specialized metal AM focus.
• 3D Systems Corporation: Broad AM player with metal and polymer printers, software, and services. Competes in industrial metal AM alongside Nikon's SLM Solutions portfolio.
• Mitsubishi Electric Automation: Broad factory automation incumbent offering robots, controllers, and vision systems. Competes with Nikon's Vision Robotics division across bin-picking, assembly automation, and factory integration.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UC... (YouTube embeds referenced on ngpd.nikon.com via YouTube API service)
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/nikon-advanced-manufacturing

Compliance3 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles4 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Nikon Advanced Manufacturing