Nikon SLM Solutions, a global specialist in laser powder bed fusion (L-PBF) metal additive manufacturing and a unit of Nikon Advanced Manufacturing, reports that HII’s Newport News Shipbuilding (NNS) division has placed a second NXG 600E order. The move further strengthens its advanced manufacturing capabilities in support of US Navy shipbuilding and the Maritime Industrial Base (MIB).

The order builds on a previously announced NXG 600E acquisition and reflects HII’s continued investment in large-format metal additive manufacturing to enable production of large, complex components and replacement of legacy castings for critical naval applications. Through close collaboration with HII, Nikon SLM Solutions will lead parameter development and process maturation for L-PBF production of NiAlBr components, expanding material capability for additive manufacturing within US Navy supply chains and supporting long-term maritime readiness.

“This second NXG 600E order reflects HII’s leadership and long-term commitment to advancing the maritime industrial base through additive manufacturing,” says Hamid Zarringhalam, CEO of Nikon Advanced Manufacturing and chairman of the board at Nikon SLM Solutions.

He adds: “Expanding critical materials capabilities such as nickel-aluminium-bronze is a foundational part of Nikon Advanced Manufacturing’s holistic approach, combining scalable platforms, material and process development, and US-based production and support. Together with HII, we’re enabling additive manufacturing to move from isolated applications to a repeatable, industrial capability that supports US Navy shipbuilding at scale.”

More information www.nikon-slm-solutions.com

Snowbird Technologies and Meltio have unveiled a next-generation containerised hybrid manufacturing system designed to produce and repair critical components directly at the point of need for defence applications.

The solution combines Snowbird’s deployable SAMM Tech platform with the Meltio Engine Blue, creating a ruggedised manufacturing cell that integrates additive and subtractive processes within a transportable container. Designed for rapid deployment, the system enables military personnel to manufacture, repair and replace components in remote and austere environments, reducing reliance on traditional supply chains.

Compatible with existing military logistics infrastructure, the platform is engineered to operate in challenging land and maritime conditions. It supports a wide range of industrial metals, including aluminium, titanium and marine-grade bronze, allowing the production and repair of structural and functional components essential to defence and naval operations.

The hybrid system combines metal and polymer processing capabilities while providing the safety, reliability and flexibility required for deployed environments. By bringing manufacturing closer to the point of use, it helps reduce lead times, minimise material waste and improve operational readiness.

The collaboration builds on proven field experience. Snowbird’s technology has already demonstrated its value during naval operations, including the repair of a reverse osmosis pump aboard a US Navy vessel, restoring freshwater generation capabilities within hours and avoiding an early return to port.

“This collaboration further validates the role of laser-wire directed energy deposition technology in demanding defence environments,” says Scott Morse, chief executive of Snowbird Technologies. “By integrating the Meltio Engine Blue into our next-generation SAMM Tech platform, we can deliver reliable hybrid manufacturing where traditional infrastructure is unavailable.”

Gabriel Ortiz, Americas Channel Manager at Meltio, adds: “Defence organisations require manufacturing solutions that are reliable, flexible and deployable. This collaboration demonstrates how additive manufacturing can strengthen operational readiness in the field.”

More information www.meltio3d.com