EOS Launches Quality Standard Initiative

By DE Editors

EOS has launched the EOS Quality Standard, an initiative of the EOS e-Manufacturing partner program that is open to all customers. The purpose of the program is to define a package of requirements that guarantees the quality of e-Manufacturing parts and services. The procedures for this standard are to be integrated into customers’ ISO: 9001 quality management systems.

To assure quality, special measures have to be implemented in each customer’s operation. The e‑Manufacturing provider must have implemented a quality management system (QMS) with a valid certification according to ISO 9001, and must define and implement quality assurance procedures for the production and supply of laser-sintered parts within that QMS.

There are five types of qualifications that a customer has to integrate into the QMS. Personnel qualification is one factor. For example, the e-Manufacturing provider’s staff is expected to have the knowledge and skills for the relevant technology. The provider also must assure machine status according to quality procedures. This status is to be specified and documented, regular maintenance has to be done, and the environmental conditions the machine is operating in must conform to the defined EOS Installation Requirements.

Secondly, if the customer uses a material that has been released by EOS for the relevant technology, then EOS provides them with the appropriate set of procedures to meet the criteria of the standard. In that case, the third criterion—using the right parameter sets—is met by deploying the system-specific EOS parameter set and powder material. The fourth element of the quality standard ensures the conformity of part design with the relevant design rules.

Lastly, certain demands have to be met concerning data preparation and post-processing. These should be in accordance with recommendations published by EOS for the relevant machine and powder material. Otherwise the customer needs to specify what procedure has been used and why, or how that procedure has been qualified.

“Customers of an entity that follows the EOS quality standard can expect consistent part quality from their e-Manufacturing provider,” says Peter Klink, executive vice president Sales and Support for EOS. “The standard allows them to distinguish between providers by a reference to an independent standard.”

For more information, visit EOS.

Sources: Press materials received from the company and additional information gleaned from the company's website.