Nikon NXG 600E for Newport News Shipbuilding: Large-Format LPBF Intended to Support Naval Shipbuilding Programs

Metal 3D printing is gaining traction in the defense and shipbuilding industries particularly where supply chains, spare-part availability, and qualification cycles are becoming increasingly critical. Nikon SLM Solutions has now reported an order from U.S. shipbuilding: the Newport News division of HII has ordered an NXG 600E—a large-volume laser powder bed fusion (L-PBF) system intended for productivity- and safety-critical components. Newport News Shipbuilding builds and refuels, among other things, nuclear-powered aircraft carriers and submarines for the U.S. Navy.

The NXG 600E is designed as a multi-laser platform aimed at high throughput on large builds. In practice, this means multiple beam sources can generate melt pools in parallel, reducing build time per layer—while process monitoring and parameter stability across the entire build area remain essential. For shipbuilding applications, an additional factor is that materials often must meet not only mechanical requirements but also demonstrate corrosion resistance and compatibility with media in a maritime environment.

Nikon Advanced Manufacturing links the order to a broader program to scale additive manufacturing in the U.S. defense industry. Nikon AM and the U.S. Navy’s Maritime Industrial Base program had previously announced a partnership that also leverages an NXG 600E installation. The focus includes qualification, workforce development, and the use of copper-nickel alloys (CuNi), which in shipbuilding can be relevant for piping and systems involving seawater service.

Hamid Zarringhalam, CEO of Nikon Advanced Manufacturing and Chairman of the Board, Nikon SLM Solutions, said, “This latest NXG 600E order underscores the strategic importance of metal additive manufacturing to U.S. Navy shipbuilding programs, and marks another milestone in Nikon AM’s holistic approach towards scaling the defense industrial base on U.S. shores. We are proud to strengthen our relationship with HII and the Navy to deliver the AM capabilities that are imperative to national security.”