Large frame, two laser system and high performance material meet the strict requirements for demanding polymer parts in the aerospace, electronics and mobility industries.
EOS, the world’s leading technology provider in the field of industrial 3D printing of metals and polymers, is showcasing its latest portfolio of industrial additive manufacturing (AM) solutions at RAPID + TCT 2018 in booth #1118, hosted in Fort Worth, Texas, 23-26 April 2018.
EOS launched the new EOS P 810 polymer platform, specifically designed to process the new high-performance ALM material HT-23.
Developed in close cooperation with Boeing, this is the world’s first economic, high-temperature polymer AM solution, that addresses industry requirements for demanding high-performance parts. As such, this technology package is particularly developed for the aerospace industry but can also be applied for other industries.
Scott Killian, aerospace business development manager, EOS North America, emphasizes: “The aerospace industry has to meet challenging requirements when it comes to UV resistance, flame retardancy and meeting Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR) such as FAR 25.853, which sets standards for materials within compartment interiors. Additive Manufacturing enables the design and manufacturing of complex geometries without expensive tooling. This allows aerospace OEM’s to replace composite parts which to date are being produced manually via carbon fiber laminating. They can also replace aluminum parts with HT-23 while still meeting the material strength properties required for the application. With the EOS P 810, our customers can produce lightweight parts, reduce time for production and parts assembly, and cut overall costs-per-part.”
EOS P 810: large frame, two laser system for highly demanding applications
The system builds on the well-established EOS P 800 and is specifically designed for the requirements of industries such as aerospace and processes exclusively the HT-23 material. With a build volume of 700 x 380 x 380 mm and two 70 Watt lasers, the EOS P 810 system enables the production of large structural parts with excellent dimensional accuracy and provides increased productivity. It is particularly suited for industrial applications.
High performance PEKK material
HT-23 is the first carbon fiber-reinforced PEKK material that can be processed on EOS systems, as such offering isotropic part properties. Parts additively manufactured with this material offer high strength, low weight and are capable of withstanding high temperatures. It is the first high-performance material with a low refresh rate of 40 percent, as such also contributing substantially to reduced costs-per-part.
“Our EOS P 810 polymer 3D printing platform and the ALM HT-23 material enabled us to help Boeing reach high demands for weight reduction, cost efficiency and reduced assembly time for components,” said Killian. “Intensive testing of the final parts from the EOS P 810 proves the technology platform addresses Boeing’s needs and allows them to achieve homogenous part properties within the overall building volume, a key factor for cost efficient manufacturing of air ducts, small turbines and holders.”
Beyond aerospace, the solution also offers new design and manufacturing opportunities to the electronics and mobility industry – with applications such as plugs or housings, serial parts as well as spare parts for the interior and exterior (exterior facing) of busses and trains. Parts made of are HT-23 fulfilling the regulation EN 45545.
EOS guides companies on their journey to additive success
At RAPID + TCT 2018, EOS invited all attendees to learn more about the challenges and transformational journey organizations take on their road towards 3D printing success. The introduction of AM opens up new product and business opportunities, at the same time leading to a profound and necessary transformation of organizations to successfully implement AM and initiate disruptive change.
Dr. Gregory Hayes, director of applications and consulting for EOS North America states: “From more than 300 consulting projects, we have learned that nearly all companies implementing additive manufacturing go through four transformational stages. With each phase of their development, companies establish more knowledge and technological maturity, but at the same time also face different challenges. We can help customers to overcome these challenges and to gain momentum on their journey to become an additive manufacturing champion.”
EOS will introduce visitors to the four stages of a typical AM journey via its Additive Manufacturing Mile display consisting of:
- Part screening, to identify the right applications to introduce AM;
- Part design iterations and development of the application;
- Ramping-up AM production, and
- Certify and scale up a highly efficient AM production chain.
About ALM
Advanced Laser Materials (ALM) specializes in material research, development and consultation for industrial 3D printing and additive manufacturing. Founded in 2004, ALM remains focused on providing customers with application-specific, quality-tested materials and engineering support to meet the most complex product specifications and production requirements. ALM offers the largest selection of laser sintering solutions with onsite capabilities to produce standard and specialized materials in varying quantities. Based in Temple, Texas, ALM is a wholly owned subsidiary of EOS Group.