As Euromold is the time for 3D printer manufacturers to show off the latest goods, German producer of laser sintering 3D printers, EOS, announced the launch of two new machines: the EOS M 400, for metal parts, and the EOS P 396, for plastic. The company has also developed a range of consultancy services to ensure effective use of their products.
Expanding on its previous laser sintering models, the EOS M 400 will not only be larger, with a build volume of 400 x 400 x 400 mm, but it will also feature a modular platform that includes set-up and post-processing stations. EOS even plans to release an automated unpacking station next year. In this automated system, the metal printer will move an exchangeable frame, that includes the printed part and its residual powder, to the unpacking area, where, through vibration and rotation, the printed part will be cleaned. By purchasing the EOS M 400, it will be possible to later add the unpacking station onto their machine in the future.
Additional improvements include, a new touch screen, a feature pushed by customers, and a self-cleaning filter, to increase the filter system’s longevity. The company also boasts improvements to their monitoring and reporting systems, for better quality control. Currently, the EOS printer will be able to sinter EOS Aluminum AlSi10Mg and EOS NickelAlloy IN718, ideal for automotive and aerospace applications, but, in the future, the company plans to develop steel and titanium, as well. For 2015, the company plans to release an upgrade to the 400, the EOS M 400-4, which will utilize not one laser, but four, increasing the productivity of its machine immensely. The EOS M 400 will be available in its basic form starting spring of next year, with global distribution planned for the summer.
The EOS P 396 plastic printer improves upon its predecessor, the EOSINT P 395, with a revamped temperature regulation system and the latest generation of CO2 laser. The new and higher performance laser will lead to faster primary processing times. The addition of a point pyrometer allows for the measuring of powder temperature for the surface coating of a print, which will increase the stability and reliability of a print job. To further increase the speed of secondary processing times, a low wearing, high speed recoater has been used for surface coating. The company has also released an upgrade to its process-software
(PSW). Altogether, these improvements are thought to lead to an approximate 30% increase in efficiency and, if economical materials like PrimePart® PLUS are used, a 30% increase in savings, as well. The EOS P 396 will be available in April of 2014.
In order to ensure that its customers can push their machines to their highest potential, EOS will begin delivering consultancy services from the idea stage all the way to production. The company will not only advise customers on projects for which their machines are best suited, as well as offer to aid in the production process, but EOS will also provide quality control assistance so that those printing parts with high standards will be able to meet the needs of a given industry. Finally, the company will also be adding remote assistance to diagnose and troubleshoot issues faced in using their machines. In essence, EOS has not only become a manufacturer of 3D printers, but a service provider, as well, hoping to fill the gap between the uninitiated and the experienced in the world of additive manufacturing.
