EOS and 3D-Micromac form new company for Micro Laser Sintering technology
January 7, 2014
Germany’s 3D-Micromac AG and EOS GmbH have announced the formation of a new company, 3D MicroPrint, with the aim of advancing the development and commercialisation of new Micro Laser Sintering (MLS) technology. 3D MicroPrint recently moved into new premises on the Chemnitz Smart Systems Campus in Germany.
Both 3D-Micromac and EOS have been developing MLS technology together since 2006 and the first system successfully began operation at a German research institute earlier in 2013. Joachim Göbner, formerly project head MLS at EOS and head of the technical centre Chemnitz, and Tino Petsch, CEO of 3D-Micromac, were appointed as business managers of the new company.
“Demand for very small parts which are difficult to manufacture using conventional processes is rising tremendously. Micro Laser Sintering provides solutions for three major trends: individualisation, functional integration, and miniaturisation,” stated Dr Hans J Langer, founder and CEO of EOS GmbH.
“Working with layer thicknesses of ≤ 5 µm, focus diameters of ≤ 30 µm and powder particle size of ≤ 5 µm, the MLS technology opens up new dimensions. With MLS it is even possible to produce moveable component assemblies,” stated Joachim Göbner, Business Manager at 3D MicroPrint.
Micro Laser Sintering is an Additive Manufacturing technology with parts built from metal powders, layer by layer, using a laser beam. MLS enables the production of parts with complex 3D structures offering a high degree of freedom of design and the capacity to integrate and optimise functionality. Target applications include nozzles for the automotive industry, components for medical devices or the individualisation of jewellery. Growing demand for micro-parts can be observed in the areas of mould-making and aerospace technology.
