[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Credits: www.metal-am.com
The EOS M 300-4 saw its official launch during the International Manufacturing Technology Show (IMTS) 2018 in Chicago, Illinois, USA, September 10-15, 2018.
The new machine expands the portfolio of what EOS refers to as its Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS) systems, which include the popular EOS M 290. The EOS M 300 series is described as an automation-ready, future-proof platform that is configurable, scalable and secure. The system offers a build volume of 300 x 300 x 400 mm that could serve a variety of manufacturing fields, including aerospace, industry, medical, tooling and automotive.
For production flexibility, this new modular platform comes with a configurable and scalable equipment architecture, which enables customised system configurations. As such, EOS believes it is a good choice for organisations demanding reliable and robust industrial standard equipment for AM production.
Customers can choose between a range of configurations across the series, opting for one, two or four lasers, multi-power laser set-ups (400 or 1,000 Watt), fixed or variable focus, different types of recoaters, new and expanded exposure strategies, manual or automated part handling, a range of monitoring options and three different clamping systems (3R, Delphin, Erowa). Also available are two powder dosing options for full build jobs without refilling: bottom-up dosing to become independent of a material’s particle size distribution, and automated top dosing to enable a closed loop solution.
The new system will also be compatible with the EOS Shared Modules, in which manual or automated peripheral modules and transport logistics supply several EOS metal AM systems. As a result, all set-up, unpacking, transportation and sieving actions will be carried out independent of, and parallel to, the AM build process.
The EOS M 300-4 with four lasers will reportedly be able to offer variable laser power sources in the future – from 4 x 400, to a mixed set-up of 2 x 400 and 2 x 1,000, up to 4 x 1,000 Watt laser power. The system also offers full field overlap with four scanners, meaning that lasers can reach all spots on the build plate, enabling full flexibility with regards to build orientation. The system is said enable an increase in productivity by factor 4 to 10 compared to the EOS M 290, having the potential to dramatically reduce cost per part.
EOS believes that the new platform meets the most demanding requirements of present and future production environments in terms of efficiency and scalability, while also enhancing part reliability and quality. A robust casted frame is reported to enable 24/7 process capabilities, and a permanent filter system has been integrated to eliminate the need to open the system up periodically for filter changes. The new, lifetime recirculating filter system offers automated cleaning, ,meaning that longer jobs can be processed without job interruption.
In addition, the system line offers automatic job start procedures. Depending on the needs of the user, it can also include powder contact-free solutions for demanding health and safety standards and, as with all machines in the EOS range, the company offers fully integrated remote service and consulting for the EOS M 300 series.
Dr Tobias Abeln, Chief Technical Officer at EOS, stated, “With its modular set-up and its scalable and flexible concept, the new system line clearly focuses on the high customer demands for AM production. It sets a clear focus on productivity and lowest costs-per-part and was developed for automation and (software) integration in current and future factories.”
“The EOS M 300 series is the only 3D printing solution for digital industrial production and specifically meets the demanding requirements in a production environment. It offers industrial-grade and integrated data, powder and part flow and can be easily incorporated into production facilities. We bring this technology into smart factories.”
Stefan Seidel, CTO of EOS M 300-4 pilot customer Pankl Racing System AG, added, “The EOS metal technology has a proven track record of being the most reliable AM solution for industrial production demands currently available on the market. Therefore, we are very pleased to be able to use the latest EOS system, the EOS M 300-4, as a pilot customer in our Pankl AM Competence Center.”
“The platform impresses with maximum productivity, quality and precision as well as its potential for automation. Thus, the system fits perfectly into our approach of the automated factory and is key to meet the high requirements of our customers, for example in the automotive sector.”
The EOS M 300 series will come with software solutions for all AM process steps – from the preparation of CAD design data and build job preparation to quality control, using the company’s existing EOSPRINT 2, EOSTATE and upcoming EOSCONNECT software platforms.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
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