EOS launched its new EOS P 810 polymer 3D printing platform specifically designed to process the new high-performance, ALM material HT-23 at RAPID + TCT in Fort Worth, TX today.
Developed in close cooperation with Boeing to target the aerospace industry, this world’s first economic, high-temperature polymer AM solution addresses industry requirements for demanding high-performance parts.
The system builds on EOS P 800 large-frame system and features a 700 x 380 x 380 mm build volume and two 70-Watt lasers to produce large structural parts with good dimensional accuracy and increased productivity.
Scott Killian, aerospace business development manager, EOS North America, said: “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 fibre laminating. They can also replace aluminium 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.”
HT-23 is the first carbon fibre-reinforced PEKK material that can be processed on EOS systems, as such offering isotropic part properties. The material delivers high strength, low weight and is capable of withstanding high temperatures. It is also the first high-performance material with a low refresh rate of 40 percent, 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.
