Nikon Selected to Support Defense Manufacturing Project
Nikon Advanced Manufacturing joined the $5.5 million GOTHAAM project to advance aerospace-grade alloy production.
Updated on Oct. 12, 2026 in Materials Science
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America Makes and the NCDMM have partnered with Nikon Advanced Manufacturing for the $5.5 million GOTHAAM project. The initiative focuses on developing material specifications for high-strength aluminum alloys used in defense systems.
Why it matters
This project aims to provide U.S. manufacturers with validated data for producing reliable aerospace-grade components. It is designed to strengthen domestic production capabilities for critical defense technologies.
The project centers on the 7075-T73-equivalent aluminum alloy using Laser Beam Powder Bed Fusion (L-PBF) technology. Nikon will utilize large-format SLM Solutions L-PBF systems to establish the necessary qualification and verification infrastructure.
The players
Nikon Advanced Manufacturing
This entity specializes in advanced industrial manufacturing processes and large-format laser-based metal 3D printing.
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems
This company is a major developer of unmanned aerial vehicles and high-tech defense systems.
America Makes
This is a public-private partnership focused on advancing additive manufacturing technology in the United States.
NCDMM
The National Center for Defense Manufacturing and Machining is an organization that manages manufacturing research and development for the U.S. Department of Defense.
The details
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems leads the group, which includes sixteen additional corporate partners. The project receives funding through the Office of the Under Secretary of War, Manufacturing Technology Office.
Timeline
General Atomics was named project group leader in August 2026.
The official announcement regarding Nikon joining the project occurred on October 12, 2026.
The Big Picture
The project follows a pattern set by established manufacturing technology office funding initiatives aimed at codifying material standards for critical defense hardware. By formalizing material allowables for additive manufacturing, it bridges the gap between experimental prototyping and standardized industrial production.
This project could eventually result in more durable and corrosion-resistant components for military aircraft and defense systems. Long-term, the standardization of these alloys may lower production costs and increase the reliability of high-performance parts in aerospace applications.
The takeaway
Standardizing additive manufacturing for defense-grade alloys is a key step in domestic industrial modernization. This initiative highlights the ongoing transition toward using 3D printing for critical aerospace parts that require rigorous certification.
Further reading
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