metal-powder.net January/February 2014 MPR 43

EOS develops new AM machine

A new additive manufactur-ing (AM) machine for produc-ing parts from metal powder, layer by layer, has been launched by EOS.

The EOS M 400 is designed for industrial produc-tion applications, as the increased volume of the build chamber (400 x 400 x 400 mm) allows the manufacture of larger components or more smaller parts. In addition, the level of automation has been raised, making it suit-able for serial production. In the EOS M 400, the laser has an output of up to 1,000 watts, allowing the use of materials that require more power.

The basic model will start to become available in the spring of 2014, with global

distribution planned from the summer.

“We are pursuing a platform-based strategy for metal AM technology and are able to support customers from the research and devel-opment phase through to series production,” said Adrian Keppler, MD at EOS. “EOS M 400 represents the key to industrial pro-duction, as it takes EOSINT M 270 and EOSINT M 280 technical benchmarks a step further.

“The new system supports users not only in the context of its productivity, but also in actual manufacturing applications, as we will be expanding the platform with successive performance modules.”

The company says that automated unpacking will be available for the EOS M 400 within a year. 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, loose and excess powder will quickly be cleaned away by programmable rotation and vibration.

The modular concept makes it possible to incor-porate the unpacking station retroactively to expand on

the set-up and process sta-tions.

The first extension to the basic model will initially be available with EOS alu-minium AlSi10Mg and EOS nickelalloy IN718 materials and is suitable for use in the automobile and aero-space sectors. Processes for further materials are still in the development phase, including both tool steel and titanium.

From 2015, EOS is planning to offer, besides the EOS M 400, the EOS M 400-4, which will have four lasers to help increase productivity.

The new EOS M 400 for additively producing metal components.

An oil separator for a racing car built in an EOS M 400 from EOS

aluminium AlSi10Mg powder.

Partnership formed to provide improved finishes on 3D partsGraphite Additive Manufacturing, a supplier of 3D printed parts produced in high performance materials, has entered a partnership with plating provider BJS Company.

The company says that as 3D printing technologies are increasingly used in the design and development cycle of new products, cus-

tomer demand for improved overall part appearance and for functional models to more closely and aestheti-cally resemble the final part is seen to be growing.

Established over 60 years ago, BJS Company is a pre-cious metal electroforming and electroplating company. The plating services offered by BJS Company are gold,

silver, rhodium, copper or bright nickel and this new partnership now allows Graphite to offer these metal finishes to customers on 3D printed parts.

The companies say that the partnership can offer customers an individual fin-ish on designs from jewellery and works of art through to medical research models and

functional prototype parts.Electroplating can enhance

the decorative appearance of a part with a beautiful metal-lic, polished finish as well as the functional strength, stiff-ness and durability through the application of a thin coat of the chosen metal. Electroplating can be offered on both stereolithography and sintered parts.

MPR0114_AM news 43 29-01-2014 10:36:03