Sony Corporation has announced a strategic investment of $50 million in Desktop Metal, the American additive manufacturing company. The partnership will focus on developing advanced materials for electronics and semiconductor manufacturing applications.

Sony’s interest in AM stems from its need for rapid prototyping and low-volume production of custom components for consumer electronics, professional cameras, and industrial sensors. The company has been evaluating various AM technologies but found existing material options limited for electronics applications.

“We require materials with specific electrical, thermal, and mechanical properties,” explained Sony innovation director Nakamura Yuki. “Desktop Metal’s binder jetting technology and material development capabilities align well with our needs. This partnership will accelerate our ability to bring innovative products to market.”

The collaboration will initially focus on copper-based alloys for heat sinks and electromagnetic shielding, as well as ceramic materials for insulators and substrates. Sony will provide application expertise and market feedback, while Desktop Metal contributes its materials science and manufacturing process knowledge.

Japan’s electronics industry has been exploring AM for years but adoption has been slower than in aerospace or medical sectors. Challenges include the need for very tight tolerances, surface finish requirements, and integration with existing high-volume manufacturing processes.

The Sony-Desktop Metal partnership could serve as a catalyst for broader AM adoption in Japanese electronics manufacturing. Other major players like Panasonic, Canon, and Nikon are watching the development closely and may pursue similar initiatives.

Financial terms beyond the investment amount were not disclosed, but the companies indicated they plan a multi-year collaboration with potential for Sony to integrate Desktop Metal printers into its production facilities.