For GPI Prototype, a complete service bureau, the equipment will broaden their in-house offerings.  GPI Anatomicals, the largest manufacturer of anatomical/medical device models, will use it to further expand their core orthopaedic device capabilities.

“We see DMLS as a huge step toward eliminating the gap between prototyping and production,” says Scott Galloway, president and owner of GPI.  “Also, with it we can create parts that would not be possible to manufacture using traditional methods.”

DMLS on the EOSINT M 270 is an additive manufacturing process.  It starts with a CAD file that defines each layer of a cross-sectioned model.  20 to 40 µm thin layers of metal powder are deposited onto a build platform and laser-sintered by a focused laser beam.  The platform is then lowered and the process repeated layer-by-layer until a three-dimensional metal part is produced.  DMLS can “grow” parts—even those with extremely complex geometries—in just a few hours.

The M 270’s abilities for mass customization and building of intricate shapes make it an ideal technology for the orthopaedic, device implant, and aerospace markets.  GPI will be using DMLS in these fields as well as creating device tooling, tooling inserts for molds, and short-run or custom-metal parts for field use.

“We are all looking forward to watching GPI apply its many years of expertise in creating elaborate prototypes, models, and finished products to DMLS,” says Jim Fendrick, vice president of EOS of North America.  “It is always exciting to see what comes of putting this equipment in the hands of innovative, imaginative companies.”

About Galloway Plastics Inc.; GPI Prototype

Galloway Plastics Inc., founded in 1980, is a custom plastics product design/engineering and manufacturing firm that specializes in medical models and rapid prototype/mfg.  Services.  It employs a wide range of prototyping services in house and offers direct manufacturing in Lake Bluff, Illinois and also in Shenzhen, China since 1994.  GPI Anatomicals is North America’s largest manufacturer of anatomical models; over 5 million models have been sold worldwide.

www.gpiprototype.com

About EOS

EOS was founded in 1989 and is today the world’s 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 or tools.  The technology manufactures parts for every phase of the product life cycle, directly from electronic data.  Laser-sintering accelerates product development and optimises production processes.  EOS completed its business year 2007/2008 with revenues of approximately 70 million Euros, which is an increase of 17 percent compared to the previous year.  The company employs 280 people worldwide, 230 of them at its headquarters in Krailling near Munich, Germany.  For more information visit www.eos.info