OBERKOCHEN and KRAILLING, Germany, Sep 12, 2022 – ZEISS and EOS, a leading supplier for responsible manufacturing solutions via industrial 3D printing technology, have jointly developed and launched an advanced in-process and post-print powder bed analysis solution.
Using a patented technology from ZEISS, all features of the powder bed are captured with high precision for thorough, reliable analysis layer-by-layer and evaluation of the entire print job. This provides a performant in-situ-proof of powder bed quality via images and defect statistics instead of after build testing of parts.
ZEISS AM in-process offers rapid defect detection and classification with an ultra-high resolution per pixel. A reliable revealing of irregularities in powder bed, even with strongly reflecting materials, is ensured by combining four illumination directions.
The classification allows both preventive and corrective measures to be implemented for specific powder bed defects. Thus, faulty jobs can be stopped early to save productive machine time and allow for an improved usage of material. Powder shortages can be even corrected as they arise due to a communication interface which enables automatic recoating on the build plate.
As part of the cooperation, ZEISS AM in-process will be integrated into EOS DMLS systems. The technology will be available for the EOS M 290 systems, both for already installed and new machines, with no parametrization required for different material and geometries and without impact on the gas flow.
„The manufacturing industry has recognized the promising potential of additive manufacturing. To make metal AM a feasible and scalable manufacturing technology industrial grade quality and economic feasibility must be further improved and ensured at the same time. For the certification and quality assurance processes, this requires the development of new quality assurance solutions in accordance with the AM-specific conditions. To enable technical and economic feasibility of future-oriented applications, ZEISS AM in-process contributes to making the technical possibilities of additive manufacturing realizable while defining and continuously ensuring required quality standards.” Dr. Claus Hermannstädter, Head of Additive Manufacturing Technology at ZEISS.
“For this software solution, two leaders in their respective field are joining forces to amplify AM possibilities. The automated analysis of the powder bed quality and the quick reaction to identify defects opens immense potential for cost savings of up to 10,000 Euros per build job. At the same time, this is in line with our responsible manufacturing approach as these feedback loops can help to substantially reduce scrap rates and material waste,” states Mirco Schöpf, Product Line Manager Software at EOS.
About ZEISS
ZEISS is an internationally leading technology enterprise operating in the fields of optics and optoelectronics. In the previous fiscal year, the ZEISS Group generated annual revenue totaling 7.5 billion euros in its four segments Semiconductor Manufacturing Technology, Industrial Quality & Research, Medical Technology and Consumer Markets (status: 30 September 2021).
For its customers, ZEISS develops, produces and distributes highly innovative solutions for industrial metrology and quality assurance, microscopy solutions for the life sciences and materials research, and medical technology solutions for diagnostics and treatment in ophthalmology and microsurgery. The name ZEISS is also synonymous with the world’s leading lithography optics, which are used by the chip industry to manufacture semiconductor components. There is global demand for trendsetting ZEISS brand products such as eyeglass lenses, camera lenses and binoculars.
With a portfolio aligned with future growth areas like digitalization, healthcare and Smart Production and a strong brand, ZEISS is shaping the future of technology and constantly advancing the world of optics and related fields with its solutions. The company’s significant, sustainable investments in research and development lay the foundation for the success and continued expansion of ZEISS’ technology and market leadership. ZEISS invests 13 percent of its revenue in research and development – this high level of expenditure has a long tradition at ZEISS and is also an investment in the future.
With around 37,000 employees, ZEISS is active globally in almost 50 countries with around 30 production sites, 60 sales and service companies and 27 research and development facilities (status: 31 March 2022). Founded in 1846 in Jena, the company is headquartered in Oberkochen, Germany. The Carl Zeiss Foundation, one of the largest foundations in Germany committed to the promotion of science, is the sole owner of the holding company, Carl Zeiss AG.
Further information at www.zeiss.com
ZEISS Industrial Quality Solutions
ZEISS Industrial Quality Solutions is a leading manufacturer of multidimensional metrology solutions. These include coordinate measuring machines, optical and multisensor systems, microscopy systems for industrial quality assurance as well as metrology software for the automotive, aircraft, mechanical engineering, plastics and medical technology industries. Innovative technologies such as 3D X-ray metrology for quality inspection round off the portfolio. In addition, ZEISS Industrial Quality Solutions offers a broad global spectrum of customer services with ZEISS Quality Excellence Centers close to its customers. The company is headquartered in Oberkochen. Production and development sites outside Germany are located in Minneapolis in the USA, Shanghai (China) and Bangalore (India). ZEISS Industrial Quality Solutions is part of the Industrial Quality & Research segment.
About EOS
EOS provides responsible manufacturing solutions via industrial 3D printing technology to manufacturers around the world. Connecting high quality production efficiency with its pioneering innovation and sustainable practices, the independent company formed in 1989 will shape the future of manufacturing. Powered by its platform-driven digital value network of machines and a holistic portfolio of services, materials and processes, EOS is deeply committed to fulfilling its customers’ needs and acting responsibly for our planet.
Further information at www.eos.info.
