EOS M 300-4
Render of the EOS M 300-4 multi-laser platform.
EOS has launched the M 300-4 system, a multi laser metal 3D printing system designed for digital industrial additive manufacturing, at the IMTS show in Chicago, IL.
The new machine is powered by the Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS) technology and is said to be a ‘future-proof’ automation-ready, configurable, scalable platform. It represents the first instalment of a new M-300 series.
Designed to suit the requirements of aerospace, automotive, medical and tooling applications, EOS says the machine is particularly proficient in dealing with the robust demands of industrial equipment. It boasts a 300 x 300 x 400 mm build volume, with all four lasers, of either 400W or 1KW power laser configurations, able to overlap and reach every millimetre of the build plate. It enables users to achieve a significant increase in productivity when compared to EOS’ mid-frame M 290, while also reducing cost per part.
Customers can opt for a variable or fixed focus, different types of recoaters, manual or automated part handling, and three different clamping systems (3R, Delphin, Erowa). There is also the freedom to 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 which enables a closed loop solution.
EOS has been keen to emphasise the machine’s aptitude in being integrated into current and future production environments, citing its efficiency, scalability, and output reliability and quality. The machine is robust enough to run 24/7, and its permanent filter system eliminates the need for sporadic filter changes, offering automated cleaning where residue is collected in a bin beneath the build chamber. Now, longer jobs can be completed without interruption, and more parts made cheaper.
The system is also compatible with the EOS Shared Modules concept, which was launched at formnext nearly two years ago. This idea of automated and integrated production is driven by the want for more efficiency, and sees peripheral modules and transport logistics supply a suite of EOS metal AM systems. It results in the entire set-up, unpacking, transportation and sieving phases of the manufacturing workflow being carried out independently of, and parallel to, the actual printing process.
Unveiled at IMTS, the M 300-4 again represents EOS' continued ambition in offering competitive productivity through the specs of the system, but through its compatibility with Shared Modules, also an acknowledgement that efficacy is key. The company is clearly on top of the requirements and demands of manufacturers as Industry 4.0 concepts begin to become reality, perhaps best demonstrated through its partnership with Premium Aerotec and Daimler. And with another multi-laser, factory of the future-friendly system added to its comprehensive portfolio, and another impressed industry partner to boot, is once again proving a dependable ally for manufacturers.
“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,” commented Tobias Abeln, Chief Technical Officer. “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.”
“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,” Stefan Seidel, CTO Pankl Racing System AG, added. “Therefore, we are very pleased to be able to use the latest EOS system, the EOS M 300-4, as a pilot customer on 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.”
The EOS 300-4 is to be offered with the company’s existing EOSPrint 2, EOState, and EOSConnect software products, for build preparation, production, and monitoring respectively.
EOS is previewing the EOS 300-4 machine at IMTS, in Booth #432007 in the Additive Manufacturing Pavilion in the West Hall.
