America has been the clear leader in the technology sector, especially when it comes to emerging technology like 3D printing and scanning. Manufacturers in the U.S. are quickly adopting 3D printing as a way to cut costs, shorten time for production, and expand their designing options. Japan has been left behind, fearful of losing a portion of their manufacturing market to the U.S., as well as other nations.
This week the Japanese Government announced a major initiative to create an alliance, in which they will invest heavily into next generation 3D printing technology in order to recapture their manufacturing success. The alliance will be spearheaded by the Government’s 3.8 billion yen ($36.5 million) contribution, but that will just be the start. There are a total of 27 companies, which include, Mitsubishi , Nissan, Panasonic, Kawasaki, and others. These companies will all contribute 500,000 yen per year to the alliance. in addition several University are involved in the research and development that this new alliance will pursue.
They hope to have the first 3D printer prototypes ready sometime next year, with finished machines ready by 2019. The alliance will look to produce printers capable of creating titanium-based products such as airplane parts and joints, using molten metal, via laser sintering.
It appears we are entering some sort of economic arms race, where nations are looking to technology to maintain their manufacturing advantages. China, the U.S., Britain, and Japan all have major initiatives in place to fund 3D printing technology in some way. Discuss Japan’s future within the 3D printing industry at 3PrintBoard. (Source: Nikkei)
Subscribe to Our Email Newsletter
Stay up-to-date on all the latest news from the 3D printing industry and receive information and offers from third party vendors.
You May Also Like
PyroGenesis Receives First By-the-Ton Order for Titanium 3D Printing Powder
PyroGenesis Canada Inc., a Montreal-based advanced materials company specializing in metal powders for additive manufacturing (AM), announced that it received its first by-the-ton order, from an unnamed American customer. The...
3D Printing Financials: Stratasys Reveals Strong Q1 Earnings Ahead of $1.8B Merger with Desktop Metal
Following Nano Dimension (Nasdaq: NNDM)’s numerous failed attempts to acquire Stratasys (Nasdaq: SSYS), the 3D printing pioneer finally announced its merger with Desktop Metal (NYSE: DM) in a staggering deal...
Printing Money Emergency Broadcast: Stratasys and Desktop Metal to Merge in All-stock Deal
In what is shaping up to be the biggest deal in the 3D printing industry of 2023, Stratasys and Desktop Metal will combine to form a $1.8 billion company. Alex...
3D Printing Webinar & Event Roundup: May 28, 2023
It’s another busy week in the world of 3D printing webinars and events, covering topics like automated wax support removal, wire-laser metal additive manufacturing, SLS 3D printing, manufacturing for space,...
Print Services
Upload your 3D Models and get them printed quickly and efficiently.