EOS Shared Modules concept (Credit: EOS)
EOS intends to solidify its position as a leader in the additive manufacturing factory of the future vision with a demonstration of its Shared Modules solution at Formnext next week.
First presented as a concept at the same Frankfurt event back in 2016, EOS says it now has a “mature solution” that integrates equipping, unpacking, transporting and sieving stages of the AM workflow, in parallel to the build, through various modules, transport systems and a control centre software. The modular setup means manufacturers can configure their production environment depending on their application needs and is said to boost productivity, up-time and cost efficiency.
EOS Shared Modules will initially be presented alongside the EOS M 400 metal 3D printer series in both Manual and Automated variations but EOS says it will also be made available for the EOS M 300 at a later date. An automated metal 3D printing pilot, named NextGenAM, with Premium Aerotec, and Daimler was completed earlier this year.
Dr. Hannes Gostner, Senior Vice President Division Metal Systems at EOS, says: “We are proud to have developed EOS Shared Modules from a visionary concept to a mature solution. The interaction of its various elements has already proven itself in the NextGenAM project; now it is commercially ready.
“Modularity is the big advantage for users, as they decide which degree of automation is ideal for their production. As demand grows, customers can increase the number of EOS M 400 or EOS M 400-4 systems and expand EOS Shared Modules accordingly if necessary.”
With both versions of Shared Modules, once printing is complete, the exchangeable build frame containing the part and unused powder is transported to a powder-tight container, or a gas-tight container in the case of the Automated version. The key difference is the way those build frames and containers are transported. For Manual, this can be done using a standard pellet truck while in Automated an automated guided vehicle transports the container to the next station. Similarly, parts are then carried over to the post-processing stage where any unused powder is prepared for recycling using a separate powder station before delivering material back to the AM system.
This is all connected by the EOSCONNECT ControlCenter which provides and analyses data on each hardware module such as operating status, build chamber temperature and oxygen concentration, as well as the production status of individual orders.
In addition to Shared Modules, visitors can expect to see a range of materials including EOS ToolSteel H13 for the manufacture of die casting, forging, and casting tools for hot work applications, and a selection of copper materials for electronics applications.
Formnext takes place in Frankfurt on 19-22 November. Register for your showfloor ticket here and visit the TCT @ Formnext Conference website to register for your conference pass.
