Nikon joined hands with All Nippon Airways to attach a laser processed "shark sk

Recently, Nikon announced that it has installed laser micromachined "shark skin" rib film (a thin grooved film composed of extremely thin rib peaks) for the aircraft of ANA, aiming to improve the overall fuel efficiency of the aircraft (up to 2%).

It is reported that All Nippon Airways will be the first Japanese airline to try out this ribbed film. Nikon and ANA will conduct technical verification and test the durability of the surface coated with this film.

Image source: Nikon

In the field of aviation, low carbon, environmental protection and sustainability are becoming the focus of attention, and reducing carbon dioxide emissions and resource waste caused by flight has been put on the agenda. In this regard, the technology to reduce the fuselage surface resistance is particularly critical - in the process of aircraft flight, the fuselage surface resistance almost accounts for half of the aircraft flight resistance. The new ribbed membrane described above is a key to reduce aircraft resistance by imitating the streamline characteristics of shark skin.

It is reported that the process of manufacturing this ribbed film combines bionics, laser and micro processing technologies, and finally produces a film structure material similar to shark skin. When liquid or gas contacts the aircraft surface, it reduces the friction resistance caused by the irregular flow of liquid or gas.

Image source: Nikon

At present, this film has been applied to two All Nippon Airways "Green Jets" for testing. In addition to the film, the two aircraft are also equipped with environmentally friendly coating.

These aircraft were put into operation on October 5, which is part of the "Future Promise" plan launched by ANA in June 2021. Next, Nikon plans to test the durability of the coating surface and obtain relevant data through the operation and technical verification of the test aircraft, so as to promote the development of technology and finally achieve practical application.

In addition, it is also making use of its proprietary laser processing technology, the development of rib film processing technology, and seeking new business. The project aims to improve fuel efficiency and reduce carbon dioxide emissions by reducing the energy loss of turbine blades and aircraft.

About Nikon
Nikon, a Japanese camera giant, was founded in 1917. During the 103 years after its establishment, it actively carried out various businesses focusing on the development and sales of optical products. Nikon also has great strength in the field of photoelectric technology and precision equipment, such as digital cameras, FPDs, semiconductor lithography systems, microscopes, measuring instruments and other industrial precision equipment. Recently, Nikon also announced that it plans to acquire SLM Solutions, a laser metal 3D printing manufacturer, for 622 million euros, which is expected to become another super acquisition case in the field of laser metal 3D printing.

Source: OFweek