EOS Debuts M 280 Laser-Sintering System in North America at RAPID 2011

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EOS Debuts M 280 Laser-Sintering System in North America at RAPID 2011

Monday, 09 May 2011

Advances in direct metal laser-sintering support precision manufacturing applications

Novi, MI, May 9, 2011-The first North American public unveiling of the new EOSINT M 280, EOS' most advanced direct metal laser-sintering (DMLS) system, is at Booth #202 at the RAPID 2011 show (May 24-26, Minneapolis, Minnesota). Innovative process and control features of the M 280 complete the evolution of DMLS systems into full-fledged production tools for the economical, batch-size, optimized manufacture of parts at all stages from prototyping through finished product.

"Our newest system reflects a growing demand, led by precision-driven industries such as aerospace and medical manufacturing, for laser-sintering as a proven production method," says Andy Snow, Regional Sales Director at EOS of North America. "The M 280 can build fully functional parts in a wide range of materials, with standardization and quality assurance capabilities on a par with those of traditional processes."

The new DMLS equipment expands on the capabilities of the EOSINT M 270, currently the leading system on the market for additive layer manufacturing of metal components. Among the features of the M 280 of particular value for creating end-use parts are:

Either a 200- or a 400-watt solid-state laser for targeted radiation and consistently accurate performance
Laser Power Monitoring (LPM) to control the build process
The ability to use either nitrogen or argon protective atmospheres. This allows the machine to manufacture in light metals, tooling steel, and super alloys that include titanium, aluminum, cobalt chrome, and Inconel.

Available options for controlled manufacturing, such as Part Property Profiles for standardized production and Integrated Process Chain Management modules, can be added to the M 280 at any time.

In addition to introducing a DMLS system that is focused on the needs of manufacturers, EOS is also exhibiting recently developed metal and plastic materials for specialized industrial uses:

EOS NickelAlloy IN625. Material properties such as high tensile strength, excellent processability and good corrosion resistance make this super alloy highly suited for use in aerospace, chemical, motor sport and marine industry applications.
PrimePart FR (PA 2241 FR). This material is flame-retardant and particularly suitable for aerospace. Based on PA 12 polyamide, it has an 11 percent elongation at break-significantly higher than its predecessor, PA 2210FR. It also has a lower refresh rate (ratio of new to re-used powder), offering cost savings and environmental benefits.
PrimePart ST (PEBA). This flexible elastomeric polyether block amide has unique customizable mechanical properties. Different laser-exposure strategies can be used to create either hard or soft components. PrimePart ST has an excellent refresh rate, making it an environmentally favorable alternative to other flexible materials for laser-sintering. With this plastic, previously impossible laser-sintered applications, such as flexible fasteners, seals or buffers, are possible.

EOS is highlighting two companies that apply emerging technologies to enhance laser-sintering applications: WITHIN Technologies Ltd., whose FEA/CAD optimization software works with plastic and DMLS systems to create strong, lightweight parts, including innovative, load-bearing lattice structures and BESTinCLASS, a Swiss company known for its high-precision micromachining.

An EOS FORMIGA P 100 for plastics laser-sintering will be in operation at the company's booth as well.

EOS will hold its EOS of North America User Day (EOS NAUD) on May 23, 2011, the day before the RAPID exposition begins and in the same location as the show.

About EOS

EOS was founded in 1989 and is today the world-leading manufacturer of laser-sintering systems. Laser-sintering is the key technology for e-Manufacturing, the fast, flexible and cost-effective production of products, patterns and tools. The technology manufactures parts for every phase of the product life cycle, directly from electronic data. Laser-sintering accelerates product development and optimizes production processes. EOS completed its business year 2009/2010 with revenues of 64 million Euros (90.4 million US$). The company employs 300 people worldwide, 250 of them in Krailling near Munich, Germany.

www.eos.info