Offering up to 10 times higher productivity, EOS says that the M300-4 can manufacture parts to industrial-grade quality. The platform is configurable with the complete EOSTATE monitoring suite for the real-time monitoring of the AM build process. The suite includes four different monitoring modules (System and Laser, PowderBed, MeltPool, and Exposure OT) that enable users to capture production and quality-related data. This ability – to carry out quality assurance during the build process – is significant, particularly in large-scale manufacturing, as reproducible high part quality is essential.
In order to fully integrate AM in industrial production environments, the production cell can be connected to existing MES/ERP applications through EOSCONNECT and its open OPC UA interface. New digital marketplaces and IoT platforms are also supported. Therefore, all of the machine and production data obtained can be used in real time and form the basis of a digital factory. The first element of the EOSCONNECT software suite, EOSCONNECT Core recently became available and further modules are currently being developed.
EOS is also introducing classifications in the form of Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) to highlight the technological maturity of its polymer and metal materials, as well as processes. In doing so, the company is providing level of information availability and transparency that will enable customers to compare industrial 3D printing with traditional manufacturing technologies and other AM technologies.
The TRL concept was developed by NASA and is established in numerous industries. Level 5, for example, refers to a verification of the technical solution, while the highest, level 9, refers to full production capability documented with extensive statistical data. With valid parameters for part properties, EOS is both facilitating and accelerating the transition to serial AM.
For easy orientation, EOS will divide its material products into two categories: TRL 3-6 refers to core products, whereas premium products are in the categories TRL 7-9 and therefore suitable for use in serial manufacturing. One goal is the faster availability of newly developed materials with a clear value proposition. At Formnext, EOS will be showing examples of the categories, including a high thermal load endurance aluminium alloy (premium level) and core-level copper materials.
