Rocket Lab has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Nikon SLM Options to order two upcoming ultra-large format steel additive manufacturing methods. The settlement, introduced on June 11, 2025, represents an growth of Rocket Lab’s additive manufacturing capabilities for house functions. The aerospace firm already operates a fleet of 3D printers and is trying to improve its manufacturing capability.
The brand new methods will present Rocket Lab with larger design freedom, elevated throughput, and bigger construct volumes. These capabilities align with the corporate’s rising aerospace manufacturing wants, probably permitting for bigger parts with fewer meeting necessities. The ultra-large format platforms are designed for demanding industrial functions.
“We’re proud to deepen our collaboration with Rocket Lab as they proceed to pioneer scalable, high-performance AM for house,” stated Sam O’Leary, CEO of Nikon SLM Options. “Their choice to order our forthcoming ultra-large platform underscores a shared perception in pushing the boundaries of innovation—and doing so with confidence at scale.”
Nikon SLM Options’ next-generation system will reportedly allow the manufacturing of considerably bigger components with increased productiveness. This expertise may assist producers like Rocket Lab scale back half counts, optimize designs, and speed up time to market. The particular technical specs and supply timeline for the brand new methods weren’t disclosed within the announcement.
Rocket Lab, based in 2006, is an end-to-end house firm that gives launch companies, satellite tv for pc manufacturing, and spacecraft parts. The corporate operates the Electron small orbital launch automobile, which has turn into the second most incessantly launched U.S. rocket yearly, delivering over 200 satellites to orbit. Nikon SLM Options focuses on steel additive manufacturing options and claims to supply a number of the business’s quickest steel 3D printing methods.
