Up to now, most 3D printers used at manufacturing sites have been those that use resin, but additive manufacturing using metal is gradually starting to be utilized and there is increasing interest in introducing metal 3D printers. In this environment, utilizing its proprietary laser metal deposition (LMD) type metal 3D printer, Nikon provides consignment processing services for customers who want to try additive manufacturing with metal or are considering introducing metal 3D printers.