Nissan vehicle development time reduction with 3D printing collaboration

On February 3, Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. established a new Welding and Joining Joint Research Department in collaboration with the Joining and Welding Research Institute of the University of Osaka. The initiative directly supports Nissan vehicle development time reduction by applying advanced manufacturing technologies and deeper process visualization to shorten engineering cycles.

Nissan–Osaka University collaboration for faster development

The newly formed department is designed to improve development efficiency by integrating state-of-the-art 3D printing technology with advanced welding analysis. Through this industry–academia collaboration, Nissan aims to streamline early-stage prototyping and reduce overall vehicle development timelines without compromising engineering accuracy.

Focus on powertrain prototype components

During the initial phase, the research will concentrate on powertrain prototype development, where rapid iteration and material performance are critical. Nissan estimates that these efforts could reduce vehicle development time by approximately two months, improving responsiveness to market and regulatory demands.

Advanced welding visualization and additive manufacturing

The Joining and Welding Research Institute of the University of Osaka contributes proprietary technologies that enhance understanding of complex welding processes. A specialized X-ray-based observation system allows real-time visualization of material changes during welding, particularly for dissimilar material welding applications.

Role of Additive Friction Stir Deposition technology

A key technology being deployed is Additive Friction Stir Deposition, a high-speed 3D printing method that forms metal layers using frictional heat without melting the material. This process delivers processing speeds more than ten times faster than conventional powder spray methods while maintaining structural integrity.

Long-term collaboration and development outlook

The contract for the joint research department remains valid until October 2027, providing a stable framework for continuous innovation. By combining Nissan 3D printing technology initiatives with advanced welding research, the collaboration supports sustained progress in manufacturing efficiency, material performance, and faster vehicle development cycles aligned with future automotive demands.