EOS, a leading German 3D printer OEM, and UK-based software company AMFG, have announced a partnership to enable streaming and connectivity for EOS machines through AMFG’s Manufacturing Execution System (MES) software.
The two companies established the partnership in response to the lack of connectivity across the additive manufacturing workflow, which they claim presents a barrier to those seeking to adopt the technology. As such, customers using AMFG’s MES program will be provided with direct machine control and end-to-end workflow automation of EOS 3D printers.
Commenting on the collaboration, Keyvan Karimi, CEO of AMFG, stated: “EOS is a global leader when it comes to 3D printing technologies and we’re thrilled to collaborate with such an esteemed partner.”
“Our partnership not only makes machine control a reality, but it is also a major step towards establishing AM operations that are automated and scalable.”
AMFG MES platform
Founded in 2013 and headquartered in London, AMFG aims to help manufacturers scale up their additive manufacturing operations and increase their efficiency through its workflow management/MES software. The company was previously known as RP Platform, before the company rebranded as AMFG in June 2018.
Using machine learning and AI, AMFG’s MES platform helps users to automate the key steps of an additive manufacturing process chain including quotation, workflow organization, product management, and post-production. Utilizing algorithms, the software can generate instant quotations and time scheduling for 3D printed parts, CAD file conversion and file repair. Furthermore, the program is capable of monitoring the build status of parts in progress while managing the post-production stage.
AMFG has continued to announce updates to the software, most recently adding a new feature that automates the request and ordering processes for OEM’s and service bureaus. Last year, the company also launched a new Holistic Build Analysis tool that allows users to predict how cost-effective a part will be to produce. In January 2019, AMFG announced that it had secured £350 thousand in funding from Innovate UK to further the development of its MES platform.
Enabling machine connectivity for additive manufacturing
EOS offers a range of production-level 3D printers for plastic and metal applications. For example, one system in the company’s portfolio is its M 400-4 quad-laser metal 3D printer, which has been used to produce critical components for industries such as aerospace and automotive. The EOS P 500 on the other hand is a polymer 3D printing solution from the company based on laser sintering technology, launched in September 2017.
Seeking to create a fully connected and automated additive manufacturing workflow, users of EOS 3D printers can now manage their entire additive manufacturing workflow through the MES software from AMFG.
Customers can prepare build jobs and configure parameters, like part orientation, on the MES platform. After slicing the builds, the data can then be sent directly to an EOS 3D printer. Both partners are currently working on integrating real-time machine data monitoring for EOS machines on AMFG’s MES software.
“EOS has always been at the forefront of technological developments in additive
manufacturing,” added Mirco Schöpf, Product Line Manager Connectivity & Automation Software at EOS. “We strive to work with partners who share our vision of innovation for additive manufacturing. Our collaboration with AMFG will help our customers continue to unlock the full benefits of our technologies.”
Both EOS and AMFG will be exhibiting as Formnext 2019, from 19-22 November. You can find EOS in Hall 11.1, Stand D31 of the show, and visit AMFG in Hall 12.1, Stand G81.
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