EOS, a leading technology supplier in the field of industrial 3D printing for metals and polymers, is one of the key enablers for the future of digitalized production. At the same time, AM allows for distributed production using a network of geographically dispersed, digitally connected facilities. Based on this, companies are more flexible and can address constantly changing market demand, establish a more resilient and transparent supply chain and increase their future viability.

Dr. Marius Lakomiec, Team Manager Digital AM Solutions at EOS emphasizes: “Industrial 3D printing enables a demand-driven, distributed production. As part of our factory planning, we support customers with the digitalization of their entire supply chain. Together we determine which steps are necessary to set up and commission a digital production facility, analyze production requirements, define necessary KPIs and assist with technology implementation.”

The benefits of an AM-enabled, distributed production are many for customers: Manufacturing can happen when and where it is needed. This flexible on-demand production avoids any pre-financing of products, minimum production quantities or over-production, as such enabling an efficient and low-risk approach. Warehousing costs can be reduced as well as logistics expenditure, which also contributes to responsible manufacturing, for example reducing product’s carbon footprint.

Depending on company size and customer requirements, EOS has identified different scenarios for a distributed production on a global, local and system level.

Enabling a global, AM-based digital production
EOS AM solutions can be used to set up a globally connected production in-house or by taking advantage of a network of established AM contract manufacturers. Leveraging this flexible production approach, companies are profiting from a sustainable production that can address a scan-to-product or demand-oriented production, variant diversity and functional integration. Additionally, production can be balanced among sites and become more independent of single sources.

Alexander Eitel, Head of Marketing and Business Development at Dunlee adds: “We use the EOS technology to 3D print Tungsten. This is challenging, particularly when printing a high volume of complex parts with precise specifications. The customized EOS systems we use are designed for just this and they will allow us to ramp up production to meet the needs of CT manufacturers who are introducing new products.”

Controlling machine park and production status in local facilities
EOSCONNECT MachinePark Apps help production supervisors to control their entire local machine park status. Thanks to a seamless integration into MES and ERP systems, AM systems allows for a one-stop access to sensor, monitoring and quality management data – anytime, anywhere. This enables insights on machine utilization to optimize job planning and streamline production.

For the efficient and reliable manufacturing of high-quality parts on an industrial scale, AM production supervisors rely on proven EOS systems processing metals or polymers. At the same time, tailored service offerings – from full range service contracts to co- and virtual maintenance maximize system uptime and sustainable success.

Hannes Hämmerle, CEO of 1zu1, concludes: “We use the EOS P 500 system for prototype production and series applications where an extremely high repeatability and system availability is crucial for 1zu1. Parts 3D-printed on this system offer an excellent homogeneous part quality, as well as a dimensional accuracy very close to that of injection molded parts. Further advantages of the EOS P 500 are increased material savings and less time in post-processing compared to the additive manufacturing technology we have been using in the past. The very high system availability allows us to produce overnight and thus meet very short delivery dates.”

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