EOS' new EOS M 400 features a modular, extendable platform for additive manufacturing applications in industrial production environments. The system enables the manufacture of larger components and features an enhanced level of automation and improved quality assurance.
"EOS is pursuing a platform-based strategy for the metal technology and is able to support its customers from the research and development phase through to series production. The EOS M 400 represents the key to the industrial series utilization of additive manufacturing," said Adrian Keppler, Managing Director at EOS.
The EOS M 400 is available initially with both set-up and process stations. An automated unpacking station will also be available soon. With this extension of the system, an exchangeable frame, including components and residual powder, is moved, following the build process from the process station to the unpacking station. Here, the job will quickly be cleaned of all loose and excess powder by way of a clean-up program comprising rotation and vibration. The modular concept makes it possible to incorporate the unpacking station retroactively to expand on the set-up and process stations. Users thereby gain a future oriented e-manufacturing solution designed for application-specific, modular extension, according to the company.
A further key innovation of the EOS M 400 is the volume of the building chamber, which measures 400 x 400 x 400 mm so larger components can be produced. The first extension to the basic model, with its corresponding processes, will initially be offered with the EOS aluminum AlSi10Mg and EOS nickel alloy IN718 materials and is particularly suited for use in the automotive and aerospace sectors. Processes for more materials are still in the development phase, including both tool steel and titanium.
EOS customer Materials Solutions, based in the UK, acquired its first EOSINT M 270 metal system in 2006. On the basis of this metal system the company developed its performance portfolio, covering the manufacture of high-performance components and the further development of special alloys for engine manufacture. Today, the company has six EOSINT M 270 systems and a further EOSINT M 280 system is in the process of being acquired. Carl Brancher, CEO at Materials Solutions, said, "Our growth to date was only achievable due to this technology. Because of this, we are particularly happy to act as a pilot customer to test the new EOS M 400 system. The new system generation offers the possibility of developing entirely new product classes, such as applications for motor racing or the production of titanium structures for air and space travel. The EOS M 400 enables the production of series components rather than just the simpler manufacture of functional models. The metal process is thus scalable and represents a revolution in series production. Now, larger high-performance components can be created using additive manufacturing and these, at the same time, produced in larger quantities."
In the EOS M 400 the laser has a performance of up to 1,000 watts. It allows the use of new materials that require more powerful lasers. A new user interface with a touch screen, developed out of talks with many customers, further simplifies the system usability. The complete handling has been optimized. Additionally, the filter from the air filtration system is automatically cleaned and has a longer use-life. EOS has also further optimized both the monitoring and reporting functions, enabling the user to enjoy advancements in quality control. All of these innovations are aimed at meeting the requirements of series production and represent a further step in making this a reality.
For more information contact:
EOS of North America, Inc.
28970 Cabot Drive, Suite 700
Novi, MI 48377-2978
248-306-0143
info-us@eos.info
www.eos.info