EOS M 300-4 is the first system of the new series and was unveiled at IMTS in Chicago: reliable DMLS quality, configurable and scalable equipment architecture
EOS, the world’s leading technology supplier in the field of industrial 3D printing of metals and polymers, showcased its latest systems and solutions at the International Manufacturing Technology Show (IMTS) in Chicago, IL from September 10-15, 2018. At the show, EOS launched the new EOS M 300-4 system which is part of the broader, modular metal 3D printing platform EOS M 300 for digital industrial additive manufacturing (AM) production.
The EOS M 300-4 expands the portfolio of well-proven Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS) systems, among them the highly popular EOS M 290 system. The EOS M 300 series is an automation-ready, future-proof platform that is configurable, scalable, and secure. It comes with a build volume of 300 x 300 x 400 mm and serves a variety of manufacturing fields, including aerospace, industry, medical, tooling and automotive.
In India:
Phillips Machine Tools India is one of the most renowned machine tools brand in the country, with a reputation for new age distribution, manufacturing expertise and outstanding after sales service. They are a global supplier of manufacturing technology products and services primarily focused on CNC machine tools & additive manufacturing. Phillips being an authorized dealer for EOS in India offers complete range of EOS products to its clientele & EOS M 300-4 would be the latest addition in their offering.
Production flexibility and automation
This new modular platform comes with a configurable and scalable equipment architecture, which enables full flexibility and customized system configurations. As such, it is the perfect choice for organizations demanding reliable and robust industrial standard equipment for AM production.
For better production flexibility and automation – and depending on system configuration – customers can choose between different solutions: one, two or four lasers, multi power laser configurations (400 or 1,000 Watt), fixed or variable focus, different types of recoaters, new and expanded exposure strategies, part handling (manual or automated), monitoring options and three different clamping systems (3R, Delphin, Erowa). Customers can also flexibly choose between two powder dosing options for full build jobs without refilling: bottom-up dosing to become independent of materials particle size distribution; and automated, top dosing to enable a closed loop solution.
The system will 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.
Productivity increase by factor 4 to 10
The EOS M 300-4 with four lasers will 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 enables an increased productivity by factor 4 to 10 compared to the EOS mid-frame system EOS M 290, dramatically reducing cost per part.
A new level of repeatable part quality
The new platform meets the most demanding requirements of today’s and future production environments in terms of efficiency and scalability. At the same time the system design also enhances part reliability and quality. The robust casted frame enables 24/7 process capabilities. 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, with residue collected in a bin beneath the build chamber. Longer jobs can be processed without job interruption.
At the same time, the system line offers automatic job start procedures. Depending on the needs of the user, the system line also includes powder contact-free solutions for demanding health and safety standards. Like for all other systems, EOS offers fully integrated remote service and consulting for the EOS M 300 series to – for a sustainable business.
A system line for the most demanding customer requirements
Dr. Tobias Abeln, Chief Technical Officer (CTO) emphasizes: “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.” He goes on to say: “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 Pankl Racing System AG, agrees and states: “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.”
Real-time in-process control
The EOS M 300 series come with software solutions for all additive manufacturing process steps – from the preparation of CAD design data and build job preparation to quality control. As such it will be offered with the company’s existing EOSPRINT 2, EOSTATE and upcoming EOSCONNECT software platforms, for build preparation, production and monitoring respectively.