EOS EOSPRINT 2.0
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Metal additive manufacturing specialist, EOS has today launched EOSPRINT 2.0, the latest edition of its additive manufacturing CAM software tool.
The new program addresses five areas which will give users greater freedom within their manufacturing processes. EOSPRINT 2.0 boasts a user-friendly interface; plane segmentation capabilities; a larger open tool set; new exposure patterns; and the ability to be fully integrated into present and future software environments.
For now, the EOSPRINT 2.0 tool only supports the EOS M 290 and EOS M 400 machines, but will soon support all current EOS metal systems, as well as future polymer systems.
EOSPRINT 2.0’s graphical user interface has been designed with a workflow-based approach, meaning EOS paid particular attention to the workflow of data preparation for industrial 3D printing when the software architecture was conceived. The tool is said to be intuitive, and ‘quick-to-learn’, with features behaving according to the context of each step of the workflow. This culminates in a simplified additive manufacturing process, according to EOS.
The software’s plane segmentation capabilities enable different layer thickness to be implemented into the part, optimising it more easily for production. By splitting a part along a plane so it can be shifted in z-level to define part segments with different exposures, engineers are able to strengthen parts in the exact area that are required, by assigning machine parameters optimised for high quality. Likewise, parts where aerodynamicy is key can be processed with parameters optimised for high productivity.
EOSPRINT 2.0 EOS
EOSPRINT 2.0 boasts a user-friendly interface; plane segmentation capabilities; a larger open tool set; new exposure patterns; and the ability to be fully integrated into present and future software environments.
Its open ParameterEditor module is the feature that brings more freedom for expert users, with experienced material and process developers said to benefit, especially. The large, open tool set boasts unique exposure patterns and parameters, which allows customers to build parts more to their satisfaction. Additionally, users can develop their own parameters and now have the ability to edit additional parameters. This is largely supported by the new exposure patterns available, which gives users further scope to optimise the quality of their parts. Exposure patterns determine the laser paths during the AM build process. Three new patterns have been added to the already strong range. One of them allows the user to produce parts that were previously impossible by avoiding support structures in areas where they cannot be removed. The other two new exposure patterns can cut down 20% of build time compared to EOSPRINT 1.
Meanwhile, EOSPRINT 2.0 is also capable of full integration into automated workflows, with a structurally modular functionality. This means integration into CAD/ CAM and ERP/ MES environments is relatively easy. The first partner to provide the integrated solution is Siemens NX, with EOS confirming more to follow.
Thanks to these range of capabilities, Gerd Denninger, Software Product Manager at EOS, believes the EOSPRINT 2.0 will contribute to increased productivity, and perhaps even costs savings.
“We advanced EOSPRINT in accordance with market needs, particularly in the fields of ease of use, higher part quality and increased productivity,” said Denninger. “EOSPRINT 2.0 makes the initial steps of the actual AM build process easier and the comprehensive AM CAM environment enables engineers to reach higher quality and lower cost than ever before.”
