HII Orders Second Nikon SLM Solutions NXG 600E to Expand Additive Manufacturing Capabilities

The new order will advance first-of-its-kind LPBF capability in nickel aluminum bronze for U.S. naval applications.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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Nikon SLM Solutions, a unit of Nikon Advanced Manufacturing, announced that HII's Newport News Shipbuilding division has placed a second order for the Nikon SLM Solutions NXG 600E large-format metal additive manufacturing system. This order builds on a previous NXG 600E acquisition and reflects HII's continued investment in advanced manufacturing to enable production of large, complex components and replacement of legacy castings for critical naval applications.

Why it matters

The expanded additive manufacturing capabilities will support U.S. Navy shipbuilding and the Maritime Industrial Base by enabling the production of critical components in nickel aluminum bronze, a material that is important for naval applications. This investment in advanced manufacturing technology is a key part of HII's strategy to modernize its capabilities and support long-term maritime readiness.

The details

Through close collaboration with HII, Nikon SLM Solutions will lead parameter development and process maturation for laser powder bed fusion (L-PBF) production of nickel aluminum bronze components. This will expand material capability for additive manufacturing within U.S. Navy supply chains.

  • HII previously announced an initial NXG 600E acquisition.
  • The second NXG 600E order was placed in February 2026.

The players

Nikon SLM Solutions

A unit of Nikon Advanced Manufacturing and a global leader in laser powder bed fusion metal additive manufacturing.

HII

A major U.S. defense contractor and shipbuilder, with its Newport News Shipbuilding division placing the second NXG 600E order.

Hamid Zarringhalam

CEO of Nikon Advanced Manufacturing and Chairman of the Board of Nikon SLM Solutions.

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What they’re saying

“This second NXG 600E order reflects HII's leadership and long-term commitment to advancing the maritime industrial base through additive manufacturing.”

— Hamid Zarringhalam, CEO of Nikon Advanced Manufacturing and Chairman of the Board, Nikon SLM Solutions (Seapower Magazine)

What’s next

Nikon SLM Solutions will work closely with HII to lead parameter development and process maturation for LPBF production of nickel aluminum bronze components, expanding material capability for additive manufacturing within U.S. Navy supply chains.

The takeaway

HII's investment in advanced Nikon SLM Solutions additive manufacturing technology demonstrates the company's commitment to modernizing its capabilities and supporting long-term maritime readiness for the U.S. Navy. The expanded production of critical components in nickel aluminum bronze will be a key enabler for the Maritime Industrial Base.